A Mission Challenged: The 47th EAIR Forum Fosters Vital Dialogue on Openness in Utrecht

The 47th Annual Forum of the European Higher Education Society (EAIR) successfully convened from 27th to 29th August 2025 at Utrecht University. Under the  theme, “Openness: a Mission Challenged,” the event brought together scholars, practitioners, and leaders to critically examine the pressures facing open systems in academia.

The forum opened with a welcome from EAIR Chair, Dr. Bruno Broucker, setting the stage for three days of rich dialogue. The programme was built around insightful keynote lectures, vibrant parallel sessions, and numerous opportunities for networking, all dedicated to exploring the challenges and future of openness in higher education and research.

Day 1: Setting the Stage with AI and New Leadership

The first day was ignited by an opening keynote from Prof. Benedetto Lepori, who provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of generative AI and its profound implications for higher education institutions. A significant milestone followed with the announcement that Prof. Dr. Liudvika Leišytė was appointed as the new President of EAIR for the next three-year term. The afternoon featured a range of stimulating workshops, fostering early exchange and collaboration, before the day concluded with a Welcome Reception where colleagues reconnected and new networks were established.

Day 1 Photo Album

Day 2: Delving into Open Science and Celebrating Community

The second day began with an inspiring keynote by the Vice Rector of Utrecht University Prof.Dr. Manon Kluijtmans, who shared valuable perspectives on how the principles of Open Science and Education are actively shaping the future of academia. The day continued with engaging presentations by members across diverse parallel tracks, showcasing cutting-edge research and stimulating thoughtful discussions. A highlight of the forum was the conference dinner, held in the magnificent Aula Senate Hall of Utrecht University. The evening was made unforgettable by an outstanding performance from Dekoor Close Harmony. A special congratulations was extended to Ana Godonoga, PhD, who received this year’s EAIR Outstanding Paper Award for her study, “Embedding societal impact into education, research and service: The case of business schools.”

Day 2 – Photo Gallery

Day 3: Confronting Threats and Looking Forward

The final day commenced with a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. John Aubrey Douglass, titled “Universities as the enemy: How Rhetorics and Politics are Eroding Open Science.” His address directly confronted the political challenges to academic openness, setting a powerful tone for the day’s concluding sessions. After a final series of member presentations, the forum concluded with a forward-looking keynote by Professor and EAIR President, Marijk van der Wende. Her address, “Openness Challenged: The University at Risk,” served as a poignant reminder of the university’s crucial role in society and the collective responsibility to safeguard its open mission.

Day 3 – Photo Gallery

Celebrating Excellence

The 47th EAIR Forum proved to be a vital platform for confronting the complex challenges to openness. The discussions in Utrecht have undoubtedly provided a strong foundation for the continued work of the society and its members in defending and redefining this core academic mission. We look forward to welcoming you during the 48th EAIR Annual Forum taking place at Vilnius University from the 26th to the 28th of August 2026.

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Sustainable Travel Ideas for the EAIR Cork Forum

Travelling from Europe

Visitors from Europe can travel via Eurostar from Paris to London and from there by train to Wales and by boat to Dublin. Travellers can then take the train or bus to Cork. Alternatively, there is a daily boat connection from Roscoff or Calais (in Northern France) directly to Ringaskiddy, Cork.  

Link for Direct Ferries: https://www.directferries.ie/

Travelling from the UK

There are ways to travel to and from Ireland without flying, as there are train and bus services that link with ferry services across the Irish Sea which connect several ports in England, Wales and Scotland with Irish ferry ports of Rosslare, Dublin or Belfast with ongoing travel by car, bus or train. 

Cross County Rail Services

Where taking a flight is necessary, attendees are encouraged to consider direct flights to Ireland (Cork, Dublin) airports and to use cross country rail services where a direct flight to Cork is not possible.

Link for Irish rail: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Travel options in Cork

Cork is a city where active travel options are both available and encouraged – walking and cycling.  Visitors to Cork City can get a 3 day TFI bike subscription.

Link to TFI Bike Subscription: https://www.bikeshare.ie/pricing-and-subscriptions.html

All accommodation options and EAIR Forum venues in Cork can be accessed easily by foot. 

Offsetting Travel Emissions

Forum attendees are invited to offset the unfavourable impact of air travel by combining attendance at the Cork forum with other meetings in Ireland, the UK and Europe. 

Forum attendees who wish to consider sustainable travel options may also wish to combine their attendance at the Cork EAIR Forum with their annual holiday and by so doing minimise the number of air flights taken in 2024.