UNICA Days 2026 “EU-Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures” | 25-27 February 2026
The event is organized in collaboration with Delegation for Relations with Canada of the European Parliament, International Association of Universities(IAU) and Science | Business
After the two successful editions of the UNICA annual flagship event held in 2024 and 2025, the 3rd edition of the UNICA days will take place again in Brussels from 25 to 27 February 2026, under the overarching theme “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures”. The event aims to explore the EU–Canada relationship through the lens of Higher Education, Research, and Scientific Diplomacy, and to offer a space for Canadian and European Higher Education Institutions and university networks to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and address common global challenges.
More about the theme
Canada and Europe have cultivated a longstanding, multidimensional partnership rooted in common democratic values, pluralism, a commitment to multilateralism, and a shared commitment to research excellence, innovation, and scientific diplomacy. In July 2024, the partnership entered a new era with Canada’s formal association to Horizon Europe Pillar II, granting Canadian institutions access to the EU’s premier research and innovation funding programme, which marked a turning point in bilateral relations.
In today’s fragmented and often volatile geopolitical landscape – marked by rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and declining trust in democratic institutions – such value-driven alliances gain renewed significance. As global science becomes increasingly shaped by geostrategic considerations and international collaboration faces new pressures, focusing on Higher Education Institutions is timely and strategic. Universities are not only engines of knowledge production but also key contributors to civic engagement, global dialogue, and societal progress.
They play a unique role in shaping democratic citizenship, driving innovation, and addressing global challenges, offering distinct opportunities for international relations grounded in scientific collaboration and evidence-based dialogue.
Against this backdrop, the UNICA Days 2026 propose to spotlight the EU–Canada relationship through the lens of higher education, research, and scientific diplomacy by highlighting achievements, showcasing opportunities, and identifying challenges within the transatlantic education and research landscape.
The event aims to stimulate forward-looking dialogue on key issues such as research funding and innovation, and the role of universities as global actors in science diplomacy. By convening diverse stakeholders – including policymakers, university leaders, researchers, and civil society actors – the event aspires to enhance new and sustainable partnerships.
UNICA Days will serve not only as a celebration of shared institutional ties and common values, but also as a strategic moment to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in higher education and research and address common global challenges.
Featured Speakers
REGISTRATION
Participants and speakers are kindly invited to register by 20 February, 11:59 PM CET
IMPORTANT! Please note:
– Should the max capacity of the venues be reached before 20 February, any registrations submitted afterwards will not be automatically accepted and will be added to a reserve list.
– Late registrations for the sessions taking place at the European Parliament (Session 1 and 2, morning of 26 February) cannot be accepted for any reason.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Target Audience
Academic leadership of UNICA member universities; leadership of Canadian HEIs and university networks; senior officials from Canadian and European institutions; policymakers; representatives of peer networks; Higher Education stakeholders.
Schedule of the event
Practical information for the participants
25-27 February 2026
Brussels
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.