UIC participated in the fifth meeting of the European EduCare 5.0 Alliance, held from 7–11 October at the Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași, Romania. The visit helped strengthen relationships between the partner universities, discuss the alliance’s key areas of work and make progress on strategic issues related to its governance. The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the progress of the two European projects currently being implemented: DigiCare Innovation and THRIVE, the latter coordinated by UIC.

The University’s delegation consisted of Eduardo Mirpuri, vice-rector for International Relations, and Mònica Luque, European Alliances and Projects manager. The meeting was attended by several vice-rectors for International Relations from across the alliance, providing an opportunity for deeper institutional dialogue and for sharing perspectives on future developments and joint initiatives.

One of the main areas of work was the alliance’s governance, with discussions covering various aspects of its operation and the definition of future priorities. In addition to the working sessions, the visit provided first-hand insight into the host institution and helped consolidate relationships and collaboration opportunities among the European partners.

The meeting also saw two significant developments: the official launch of the alliance’s new website (educare5-0.eu) and its anthem, both of which help strengthen EduCare 5.0’s shared identity and visibility as a European university initiative.

Progress on the DigiCare Innovation and THRIVE projects

Another objective of the visit was to review the progress of the two projects funded within the framework of the alliance that are currently underway. DigiCare Innovation, which will run until April 2027, aims to promote innovation in community health through digital technologies, particularly in the fields of oncology, mental health and integrated primary care.

THRIVE, meanwhile, began in September 2026 and will continue until August 2028. Its objective is to accelerate the transformation of research into innovative solutions for healthcare systems by facilitating their validation and transfer to the market. UIC is coordinating the project as part of an initiative funded with €2 million by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), involving 14 partners from nine European countries.

A European alliance to strengthen university collaboration

Established in 2024, EduCare 5.0 brings together 10 universities and higher education institutions from nine European countries. The alliance works to strengthen cooperation among institutions in the fields of education, research and innovation, with a particular focus on health, digitalisation, sustainability and social engagement.

For UIC, membership of this network represents an opportunity to strengthen its international profile, establish new collaborations and participate in strategic European projects. This involvement helps expand opportunities for cooperation with universities and institutions across Europe, advance knowledge and foster initiatives with a positive impact on society.