20 – 21 APR 2023 | CONFERENCE GDAŃSK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY | GDAŃSK, POLAND

Universities have a profound impact on individuals and societies, as well as the policies that govern both. But what do we really mean when we talk about impact? The European University Association’s 2023 Annual Conference, hosted by Gdańsk University of Technology, will tackle this heterogeneous concept by looking into how universities impact different communities and shape critical public policies at a time of great change and, in many cases, crisis.

Through a mix of traditional and interactive sessions, participants will explore the various facets of universities’ impact. This event will shine a light on issues as diverse as rankings, excellence and the quest for quality, universities’ contributions to greening and sustainability, their pivotal role in innovation and their proven track record in supporting endangered scholars and higher education systems. Finally, we will investigate the role of university leadership in delivering on these various forms of impact. Discussions will go beyond narrow definitions of economic impact, rather viewing impact as a measure of a university’s responsibility to its own community and the world that surrounds it.

Moreover, with this year’s conference EUA also intends to foster wider awareness and debate surrounding universities’ different forms of impact and myriad roles within society. The conference will be of interest to institutional leaders (rectors, vice-rectors and heads of administration), higher education researchers and analysts, and representatives of other organisations active in the fields of higher education and research.