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.

Speakers from Canada

• Larissa BEZO, President & CEO, Canadian Bureau for Higher Education
• Patrick DEANE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University and IAU Vice President
• Hélène DRAINVILLE, Delegate General of Québec in Brussels
• Bill FLANAGAN, President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Alberta and Vice Chair of U15 Canada (online)
• François GÉLINEAU, Vice Rector, International Affairs and Sustainable Development, Laval University
• Daniel JUTRAS, Chair of U15 Canada and Rector of the University of Montréal
• Marie LACHAPELLE, Scientist in Residence, Québec Government Office in Brussels

Speakers from Europe

• Josep M. GARRELL,President, European University Association (EUA)
• Romita IUCU, President of the Board of Trustees, University of Bucharest
• Serge JAUMAIN, Co-Director of AmericaS (Interdisciplinary Center of American Studies), Advisor to the Rector for Cooperation to Development, Université libre de Bruxelles
• Javier MORENO-SANCHEZ, Chair of the Delegation for Relations to Canada of the European Parliament
• Maria Cristina RUSSO, Deputy-Director-General for Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Jonas SCHOLZE, Head of Unit for Intergovernmental Cooperation, European Urban Initiative

Chairs

• Pieter BALLON, Vice-Rector for Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Coordinator of UNICA Research
• Sorin COSTREIE, UNICA President
• Liviu MATEI, Professor of Higher Education and Public Policy, Head of the School of Education, Communication & Society, King’s College London
• Hilligje VAN’T LAND, Secretary General, International Association of Universities (IAU)