HEROES semi-annual meeting has started
On May 19, the semi-annual meeting of the HEROES European Universities Alliance began at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution (VIKO), bringing together partners from nine European countries. During the meetings, representatives of higher education institutions, members of working groups, student representatives, and social partners will discuss study development, international initiatives, new projects and the Alliance’s shared strategic goals.
At the opening, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Alina Katunian, Head of the Research and Art Department at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution, who delivered the introductory remarks and invited everyone to the start of the event. Following her welcoming address, the audience was greeted by performances by students from the Musical Theatre study programme of the Faculty of Arts and Design — L. Šideikytė, G. Džalgonija, T. Pauraitė, and L. Vasiliauskaitė — as well as the student choir, which created an impressive and community-oriented atmosphere. Choirmaster – Povilas Butkus and concertmaster – N. Baranauskaitė‑Matukonienė.
Following the musical introduction, a welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Nijolė Zinkevičienė, Vice-Rector for Research and Partnerships at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution. She wished the participants inspiring discussions, meaningful meetings, and a productive week at Vilniaus kolegija.
The event participants were also greeted by Neda Žutautaitė, a representative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania responsible for European university alliances. She highlighted the importance of the HEROES Alliance as a growing European academic community, expressed pride in the active engagement of its members, and emphasized the steadily strengthening ambitions of the Alliance as well as its cooperation across Europe.
The importance of this week and the value of joint activities were addressed by Sofie Mols, President of the HEROES Alliance, who invited the community to “make the invisible – visible” by highlighting the people, initiatives, and impactful work that strengthen the Alliance’s activities and its overall impact.
Presenting the business perspective, Sergejus Abakumovas, Chair of the Council of Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution and Partner at Grant Thornton Baltic, emphasized that traditional partnerships between business and higher education are no longer sufficient. They are being reshaped by a rapidly changing labour market influenced by artificial intelligence, the green transition, and geopolitical uncertainty. He highlighted the need to strengthen long-term cooperation based on clear objectives, open dialogue, mutual benefit, and continuity. He also stressed the importance of a skills-first approach, where the focus is placed on practical competencies rather than formal qualifications alone.
During the event, the further schedule of meetings and practical information ensuring the smooth workflow of participants throughout the week were also presented by Dr. Jolanta Preidienė, Head of the International Relations and Projects Department at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education. It was emphasized that intensive, inspiring, and meaningful days lie ahead at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education, dedicated to strengthening cooperation, generating new ideas, and further advancing the ambition of the HEROES Alliance on a European scale.
We invite to follow HEROES Alliance news and highlights from the semi-annual meeting:
HEROES news on the VIKO website
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