Following the April 2026 UP University Spring meeting in Maribor, with 40 participants, UP University is proud to announce the formal adoption of the “Bridge funding light plan”. This strategic framework ensures that the alliance’s ambitious goals for upscaling and mainstreaming remain on track, regardless of the outcome of the Bridge funding proposal that was done in February 2026.

Built upon the Academic Scorecard and the alliance’s new mission statement, the Bridge funding light plan serves as a “low cost – high impact” catalyst for immediate action. By aligning the expertise of all 11 partner institutions, the plan focuses on visible and realistic results.

 Key Decisions

  • While results for the comprehensive February 2026 Bridge Funding proposal are expected in June/July, the “light” plan allows UP University to begin work immediately. Each partner institution has committed to leading specific tasks, ranging from AI bootcamps and STEM toolkits to Joint Master’s guidelines.
  • The alliance is moving forward with its first Joint Master’s program, “Citizen Wellbeing’s Innovations” (working title!!). The joint master plans are still in a very early stage, but rectors and presidents have decided to stay on track!
  • The alliance is moving towards building an offer of micro-credentials. This will be lead by the EC Education.
  • The rectors and presidents announced that Heidi Fagerholm (Rector of Oamk) will succeed Josep-Eladi Baños (Rector of UVic-UCC) as the Chairing Rector of UP University starting in September 2026. The next UP University Autumn meeting will be hosted by Fan S. Noli University in Korçë, Albania, in November 2026.

Growing Success

The alliance continues to demonstrate remarkable momentum with:

  • Increased mobility: Over 100 staff mobilities and 20 Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) achieved this academic year. Online mobility is also doing well.
  • Joint research & PhDs: The signing of the first joint PhD agreement between IMC Krems and UVic-UCC, bridging the gap between Applied Sciences and academic research.
  • Internal engagement: A renewed focus on internal communication and student engagement, including plans to create a democratic and inclusive student engagement track.

Each UP institution was represented during this Spring meeting: apart from the Rectors and Presidents of each member institution, the SPOCs and the Executive Committee for Education and Communication were very well represented! We had a record number of participants in this meeting: something to celebrate.