From 9 to 13 March 2026, representatives from across the EMERGE European University Alliance gathered at Université Bretagne Sud in Lorient and Vannes, France, for a joint meeting of Work Package 3 (Educational Programmes) and Work Package 4 (Enhancing Mobility).
The week-long meeting brought together academic and administrative staff from the Alliance’s nine partner universities to review progress, coordinate upcoming activities, and strengthen collaboration in the development of innovative educational pathways and inclusive mobility opportunities across the EMERGE network.
Advancing joint educational programmes
Work Package 3 focuses on the development of innovative and flexible educational programmes across the EMERGE Alliance. During the meeting in Lorient, partners worked toward aligning joint teaching and learning formats that support collaboration across campuses. Each university also presented its European Academic Pathways, offering a clear overview of existing structures and opportunities for integration within the Alliance.
Throughout the week, discussions and thematic workshops focused on the development of joint degrees within the EMERGE framework. Academic teams examined possible models for cooperation, identified areas of disciplinary complementarity, and explored practical steps for the implementation of shared programmes across partner institutions. These exchanges aimed to strengthen the academic dimension of the Alliance while ensuring that new programmes respond to regional priorities and promote inclusive learning opportunities.
Strengthening mobility opportunities
Work Package 4 discussions focused on strengthening mobility opportunities across the EMERGE Alliance and addressing barriers that can limit participation for students and staff. Partners explored ways to simplify procedures, improve access to information, and make mobility experiences more accessible across the nine universities.
Particular attention was given to promoting inclusive and innovative mobility, ensuring that mobility opportunities reach students who may face social, economic, or geographic barriers, while also developing new formats such as hybrid learning, collaborative projects, and challenge-based activities across campuses.
To support these objectives, partners agreed on a number of practical actions, including the development of shared onboarding resources, digital checklists to guide mobility processes, and improved coordination between universities. These steps aim to make mobility within EMERGE clearer, more accessible, and easier to navigate for the entire academic community.
As part of the workshops, a university fair was organised, allowing partners to present their institutions, academic strengths, and programme offerings. The fair created an informal setting for dialogue among academic coordinators, programme leaders, and staff members, helping participants identify potential collaborations and deepen mutual understanding across the EMERGE network. Participants also attended the official opening of the EMERGE Hub at Université Bretagne Sud, marking an important step in strengthening the Alliance’s local engagement. The programme further included a visit to the Lorient Submarine Base, offering participants the opportunity to discover a significant cultural and historical landmark of the region while continuing informal exchanges among partners.
Building the EMERGE educational ecosystem
The joint meeting in Lorient and Vannes also served as an important opportunity for partners to strengthen cooperation between educational programme development and mobility initiatives. By aligning these two areas of work, EMERGE aims to create a coherent learning ecosystem that supports students and staff throughout their academic journeys.
Work Packages 3 and 4 play a central role in the Alliance’s mission to educate and connect the margins by offering innovative study paths, expanding access to international experiences, and fostering collaboration across institutions and territories.
The meeting at Université Bretagne Sud marks another step in the implementation of EMERGE activities as the Alliance continues to build shared programmes, mobility pathways, and collaborative initiatives across its partner universities.