In the first onsite work package meeting, participants from all partner universities seized the opportunity to exchange ideas and align on key structures and objectives, which will be formalized in an “Operational Framework” to guide future collaboration within the Alliance.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of best-practice projects by Claudia Pacher (FH Research), Erich Hartlieb (Gründergarage) and Julien Presland (CUAS & Start-Up Carinthia), offering international attendees exclusive insights into successful initiatives at our university. Engaging in extensive discussions provided valuable input for advancing joint projects within the ACE²-EU Alliance.
The meeting also featured a unique co-creation activity, where participants recreated Raphael’s The School of Athens as a tableau vivant. This iconic Renaissance painting, housed in the Vatican Museums, depicts a gathering of ancient philosophers, mathematicians, and scientists—a historic representation of multidisciplinary knowledge exchange. It symbolizes the very essence of the ACE²-EU ARIES Incubator, which aims to:
- Bring together experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds
- Form Knowledge Creation Teams
- Develop innovative solutions for pressing societal challenges and a more sustainable future
This newly created image will serve as a lasting symbol of the Alliance’s mission and ambition.
The ACE²-EU Alliance provides a unique platform for international knowledge exchange. Strengthening collaboration among our universities not only enhances our institutions’ innovative capacity but also boosts Europe’s competitiveness as a hub for science and business. By fostering cooperation in teaching, research, and innovation, the ACE²-EU Alliance is committed to shaping the future of European higher education. This gathering marks a significant milestone in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem within the Alliance.