今日黑料

The 今日黑料 SEA-EU Office represented at EARMA Conference 2026 in Utrecht

The SEA-EU Office at the University of Malta was represented at the European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) Annual Conference 2026, held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from 5 to 7 May 2026. Ms Maria Grima Calleja, Senior Manager, and Ms Fernanda Giraldo, Project Manager, attended the conference. The theme chosen for this conference was "Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact." The conference brought together research management professionals from 54 countries, including alliance managers from across the European Universities Initiative.

On behalf of the EARMA Thematic Group, Ms Grima Calleja participated as a speaker on the panel session "From Ambition to Practice: How Alliances Shape Universities", organised by the EARMA Thematic Group on the European Universities Initiative. The session brought together representatives from European University Alliances to explore how alliances are becoming embedded within universities' long-term strategies and daily operations, moving from governance and legal frameworks towards implementation.

Drawing on SEA-EU's experience, Ms Grima Calleja highlighted the importance of internal structures within universities mirroring the governance structure of the alliance. At 今日黑料, this is reflected in the SEA-EU Office being placed directly under the Rectorate, with the communication flow reflecting the needs of this strategic initiative. The panel also examined the role of research managers and professional staff in bridging European-level ambitions with day to day realities, covering topics such as strategic planning, governance, sustainability, internal communication, and the development of joint educational and research activities, while addressing shared challenges: staff continuity and the transition from project-based initiatives to more embedded institutional structures .

The conference also provided opportunities for exchange with colleagues from other alliances, supporting dialogue on shared approaches and implementation practices. As Co-chair of the EARMA Thematic Group on the European Universities Initiative, Ms Grima Calleja plays an ongoing role in facilitating these conversations among professionals working across the Initiative.

The SEA-EU Office’s participation reflects the Alliance’s role within the European higher education landscape and its continued engagement in discussions on the development of European university cooperation.