UNICA Days 2026 “EU-Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures” | 25-27 February 2026
The event was 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 took place again in Brussels from 25 to 27 February 2026, under the overarching theme “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures”. The event explored the EU–Canada relationship through the lens of Higher Education, Research, and Scientific Diplomacy, and offered 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 spotlighted 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 stimulated forward-looking dialogue among diverse stakeholders on key issues such as research funding and innovation, and the role of universities as global actors in science diplomacy.
UNICA Days served 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.
PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
UNICA Days 2026 in the spotlight:
- Science|Business – UNICA: European and Canadian university stakeholders call for stronger transatlantic cooperation to reinforce global higher education
- Advancing EU–Canada Academic Cooperation
- The D-CA supports the UNICA 2026 event at the European Parliament
- University of Bucharest at UNICA Days 2026 in Brussels
Presentations
Pitch & Connect Session
- Sorin COSTREIE, UNICA President
- Giorgio MARINONI, Manager of Higher Education and Internationalization policy and projects, International Association of Universities (IAU) & Patrick DEANE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University and IAU Vice President
- Anna K. PIOTROWSKA, Erasmus+ National Focal Point for Canada & Chantal PÉRIÉ, Erasmus+ Sub-national Focal Point for Québec (online)
- Alice JARRY, Co-Director, Hexagram Network; Associate Professor, Design and Computation Arts, Concordia University
- Larissa BEZO, President & CEO, Canadian Bureau for Higher Education
- Marie LACHAPELLE, Scientist in Residence, Québec Government Office in Brussels
- G3 network: Innovation – Responsibility – Francophonie: Building Bridges Across Continents, by Chantal ERTVELD, International Partnerships team leader & North American Affairs Officer, Université libre de Bruxelles & Yvon MOLINGHEN, International Relations Officer, Université libre de Bruxelles
Session 3
- François GÉLINEAU, Vice-Rector, International Affairs and Sustainable Development, Université de Laval
- Aurélie JEANTET, Vice President in charge of the Ecological Transition, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3
- Jonas SCHOLZE, Head of Unit for Intergovernmental Cooperation, European Urban Initiative
Session 4
Materials for participants:
- List of participants
- Bios Speakers & Chairs
- Practical information for Participants
- List of recommended hotels in Brussels
Media support:
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.
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.