THE UNIVERSITY OF CÓRDOBA HOSTS THE ASSEMBLY OF RECTORS OF THE INVEST EUROPEAN ALLIANCE AND ADVANCES IN JOINT DEGREES AND EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

The University of Córdoba (UCO) hosted, from April 9 to 11, the latest working meeting of the INVEST European University Alliance. The consortium, comprising UCO and six other universities from across Europe, collaborates on the development of a university model focused on regional sustainability, pedagogical innovation, and institutional cooperation.

The INVEST Alliance brings together universities committed to building a modern European university rooted in sustainability and high-quality education. Its goal is to prepare students as active citizens and skilled professionals capable of addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow. Alongside the University of Córdoba, the consortium includes the Slovak University of Agriculture (Slovakia), the University of Agribusiness and Rural Development (Bulgaria), the University of Thessaly (Greece), the Karelia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France), and the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy).

The central event of the meeting was the Assembly of Rectors, held on April 9 at the Rectorate of the University of Córdoba. The session brought together the highest academic authorities from the member institutions to assess progress across the alliance's various work packages, share key achievements to date, and review the implementation timeline for deliverables originally scheduled through October 2025.

Reports were presented, including an update from the Board of Directors of the Center of Excellence, and the roadmap for joint academic programs under development was submitted for approval. In addition, the agenda featured a dedicated forum for collective reflection on the future of European university alliances and their integration with regional ecosystems and socioeconomic stakeholders.

The University of Córdoba, as coordinator of Work Package 4 (WP4), led the organization of technical and academic sessions held in parallel throughout the three-day event. These sessions focused on designing and implementing joint undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, advancing the INVEST pedagogical framework, developing “Living Labs” for educational innovation and participatory learning, and planning international summer and winter schools. Meetings took place across various university venues, including the Rectorate, the Rabanales campus, and the Faculty of Education Sciences.

Cultural activities were also included in the agenda, offering international delegates the opportunity to experience Córdoba’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Scheduled visits included the Mosque–Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and other iconic sites within the city's historic center.

As the academic leader of the INVEST Alliance, the University of Córdoba continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more connected, innovative, and regionally engaged European Higher Education Area.