Internationalisation

Internationalisation is a cornerstone of the network and is at the core of most UNICA activities. While it is a cross-cutting priority across all clusters, topics relating to the dynamics of internationalisation are explored in greater depth within the International Relations Officers (IRO) Group.

Established in 1995, the IRO Group brings together Heads and Senior Officers of International Relations Offices from UNICA member universities to discuss emerging trends, exchange expertise and good practices, and develop collaborative initiatives that strengthen international cooperation across the network.

Main themes

  • Strategic partnerships
  • Mobility
  • Global engagement
  • Erasmus+
  • Inclusion & diversity

IRO Group Coordinator and Core Group

The IRO Group has a specific monitoring role within the network, as provided for in the UNICA Statutes. In this capacity, the Coordinator of the Group – elected by the group members every two years – also serves as an Observer to the UNICA Steering Committee.

In addition, members of the IRO group may volunteer to participate in the IRO “Core Group”, which supports the Coordinator, in defining the group’s priorities and in overseeing the preparation of its annual meeting.

Representatives 2025-2027

Coordinator of the Group & IRO Observer to the UNICA Steering Committee: Elena Avgoustidou-Kyriacou, Director of the International Relations Service, University of Cyprus

IRO Core Group:

  • Helena Deršek Štuhec, Head of Department, International Relations Office, University of Ljubljana
  • Baiba Pētersone, Director of the he Department of International Cooperation of the University of Latvia
  • Cătălin Ploae, Associated Advisor to the Vice Rector for International Relations, Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Members of the UNICA IRO Group attending the UNICA IRO Meeting at Tallinn University | Dec 2025


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Contact

Laura Brossico (laura.brossico@unica-network.eu)
Alexandra Duarte (alexandra.duarte@unica-network.eu)