The meeting focused on exploring new perspectives, identifying challenges and unlocking opportunities within the EPICUR Alliance of European Universities.
The meeting was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Melanie Arndt, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Sustainability at the historic rectorate building of the University of Freiburg. After a warm welcome, each participant introduced themselves using EPICards—a creative and engaging format that fostered immediate connections and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and networking.
On the first day, the group focused on internal organisation, including the structure of shared data folders, server access and developing a welcome kit for new members. A key discussion topic was how to promote the ECR Board more effectively within each partner university, ensuring continued growth and engagement across the network. Participants also reviewed the current status of the project’s work packages (WPs) and clarified the responsibilities of ECR members within each WP.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to shaping the ECRB’s Terms of Reference and defining the board’s position on key EPICUR topics. These included the Open Code discussions, the development of EPICUR Hubs, the activities of the Teaching and Learning Centre (EPiC TLC) and preparations for the EPICUR Governance Week. The board collaborated to ensure their perspectives were represented in EPICUR’s ongoing strategic evolution.
Alongside the rich discussions and planning sessions, the agenda featured insightful academic highlights. A talk titled “Future is Now: Exploring the Current State of AI”, which sparked a thoughtful debate on the role of artificial intelligence in academia. Participants also toured two cutting-edge research facilities at the University of Freiburg: the INATECH Laboratory for Functional Materials and the Department of Biomedical Microtechnology at IMBIT.
In addition to the official programme, the group enjoyed the sunny summer weather and the charm of Freiburg’s historic city centre. Shared meals, including traditional Flammkuchen and gourmet burgers, as well as a relaxed city walk, added a social and cultural dimension to the meeting, strengthening the sense of community among board members.
The ECRB meeting in Freiburg reaffirmed the importance of Early Career Researchers in shaping the future of EPICUR and emphasized the value of cross-border collaboration in driving academic innovation.
Photo source: Ana Belen Amado
