Sessions of the Times Higher Education (THE) Europe Universities Summit 2025, the first to be held in Budapest, will take place at Óbuda University on May 6 and at Semmelweis University’s Basic Medical Science Center (EOK) on May 7-8. This will be the second event jointly organized by THE and Semmelweis University, following the THE University Impact Forum held last September, also at EOK. The THE Europe Universities Summit aims to explore how higher education institutions in 47 European countries can put their collective resources at the service of innovation in order to contribute to solving society’s most pressing problems.
The research and innovation ecosystem of European universities is unrivalled in the world, but shrinking budgets are posing serious challenges to these institutions. The event will focus on issues such as the relationship between digital technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation, and how cutting-edge technology can help the future of higher education. It will also address how innovation, both operational and academic, can be implemented within the university campus ecosystem. The benefits of international and entrepreneurial innovation partnerships will also be explored, with a particular focus on how to create real value for society and the economy – i.e. how universities can best fulfil their so-called “third mission” beyond education and research. In addition, the summit will highlight the governance, funding, and policy challenges critical to higher education institutions, in particular how universities can adapt to a changing economic and political environment.
The three-day event will bring together more than 50 renowned speakers, including Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University in Canada; Josep Garrell, President of the European University Association; Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Óbuda University; Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University; ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice-President of International, Engagement and Service at King’s College London; and Katja Schenke-Layland, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Transfer at the University of Tübingen. Highlights of the conference will include a variety of workshops and interactive sessions that will provide opportunities for deeper dialogue and an exchange of ideas.
On behalf of Semmelweis University, Rector Dr. Béla Merkely will give an opening keynote speech. As he told our website, the THE Europe Universities Summit is unique in that it seeks to address global innovation challenges by bringing together leading universities and R&D decision-makers and thought leaders, mostly from Europe, to exchange views and encourage cooperation.
With speakers and participants from higher education institutions, university associations, and policy-making institutions, the THE Europe Universities Summit offers an unrivaled opportunity for a multi-perspective exchange of professional views and networking. – Dr. Béla Merkely
The preliminary program is now available on the event website. Early bird booking is open until April 11, and groups of three or more are eligible for a 20 percent discount.
Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos (illustration) by Bálint Barta, Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University; Times Higher Education
