EADTU-EU Summit 2026: 
Systemic Transformation in Higher Education

At this year’s high-level event, we brought together European university leaders, policymakers, and higher-education umbrella organisations to discuss digital transformation, AI, and policy in higher education, with a focus on how institutions can move from experimentation to systemic transformation. The discussion focused on three key dimensions of this transformation: 

• AI and values; "How can we harness AI to strengthen higher education without compromising institutional values or public trust"? 
• The European Degree; "Can cross-border collaboration become a digital reality for every student in Europe, including online, lifelong and non-traditional learners"? 
• Leadership for transformation;"What kind of courage is needed to lead change at scale while ensuring that no student, teacher or institution is left behind"? 

For those who could not join us live, or who would like to revisit the discussion, the recording is now available.  

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EADTU welcomes FERNFH Austria!

EADTU is delighted to welcome Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH – Austria’s Distance-Learning University of Applied Sciences as a new member of the association. 

To introduce our new member, we invited Astrid Braun, Co-ordinator of International Affairs at Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH, to tell us about the institution:

“Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH is Austria’s first and only distance-learning university of applied sciences. It plays a pioneering role in academic online teaching, within a distance and blended learning format. Founded in 2006 and offering study programmes since 2007, FERNFH has developed into a specialist institution for flexible higher education and lifelong learning. FERNFH combines flexibility, academic excellence, and practical relevance to support learners who are balancing study with work, family, and personal commitments.”

We look forward to a productive and inspiring collaboration. Please visit the FERNFH website to read more about our latest member.

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EMBED+ publishes new resources for blended higher education

The EMBED+ project has published new resources to help higher education institutions strengthen innovative and sustainable blended education practices across Europe.

The ​results include a use case assessment on the European Maturity Model for Blended Education, a systematic literature review on blended practices, and recommendations introducing the updated model with maturity levels, dimensions, indicators, and practical tools for strategic planning and quality enhancement.

Together, these outputs highlight blended education as a whole-institution approach that requires continuous quality improvement and long-term strategic development.

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ETHICAI project kicks off 

On 27 March, the ETHICAI project officially launched, marking the start of a European collaboration on the ethical and responsible use of generative AI in higher education.

Over the next three years, the project will support institutions in developing practical, inclusive and policy-aligned approaches to GenAI in teaching, learning and assessment.

EADTU co-leads the project with Hellenic Open University and looks forward to contributing to its development.

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JYU Open University Receives E-xcellence Label for 2026–2029

JYU Open University, the Open University of the University of Jyväskylä, has renewed its E-xcellence quality label, for the period 2026–2029.

Granted by EADTU, the label recognises excellence in online, open and flexible education, as well as systematic efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and operations.

The recognition highlights JYU Open University’s research-informed approach to quality development, flexible study opportunities for different life situations, and strong collaboration with students, teachers and university faculties. The auditors also acknowledged the Open University’s continued commitment to quality enhancement and student-centred development.

EADTU congratulates JYU Open University on this achievement and its continued contribution to lifelong learning in Europe.

More information

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An avatar as a patient: AI in nutrition studies

Nutrition meets IT: For a project in nutritional counselling, the Departments of Health and Computer Science at FFHS are joining forces. Students in the degree programmes «Nutrition & Dietetics, BSc» and «Nutrition & Health, BSc» are taking on an experiment: How does it feel to have an AI avatar or a large language model like ChatGPT sitting across from me in a counselling session?

More details

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The UOC and Eurocities are training 50 city council staff from 27 European cities

The UOC and Eurocities have launched an online course to train 50 local government professionals from 27 European cities in evidence-based policymaking. Developed within the OpenEU alliance, the programme responds to identified municipal training needs and aims to improve decision-making through data and rigorous analysis.

Co-designed with academic and city network experts, it emphasizes practical application, interdisciplinary approaches and ethical use of data. Following a high-demand pilot phase, the course will become a microcredential, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening collaboration between universities and public administrations. 

Find out more

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UAb Launches New Pedagogical Model with AI

The Open University of Portugal (UAb) presented an updated version of its Pedagogical Model, reflecting technological and educational developments. The revised model emphasises the integration of Artificial Intelligence and reinforces student-centred, flexible and inclusive learning principles. This update strengthens UAb’s pedagogical identity and enhances its response to a diverse academic community within a context of ongoing digital transformation.

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DAISSy - Advancing Skills Development in Tourism and Education

DAISSy Research Group​ of Hellenic Open University (HOU) continues to support skills development across key sectors through its participation in European projects. 

As the Greek academic partner in Tour-X – CoVEs for the Tourism Industry, DAISSy-HOU contributes to improving quality in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Its work focuses on feedback loops, graduate tracking systems, and a database on regional skills needs in the tourism sector, while also engaging Greek stakeholders to strengthen project impact. 

At the same time, as the Greek partner of 4C-FUTURE, DAISSy-HOU supports educators in developing the 4Cs: Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication. Drawing on its expertise in distance education and digital pedagogy, it contributes to research, practical tools, and a user-friendly platform that combines experiential learning and gamification for classroom use. 

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UAb Strengthens Presence on OpenEU Student Council

The Open University of Portugal (UAb) strengthened its presence on the OpenEU Student Council following the election of student Paula Antunes to the Permanent Board (SC Executive Board) as Vice-Chair. This unanimous election reflects the recognition of UAb’s contribution within OpenEU and highlights the active involvement of its students in international representative bodies, reinforcing the University’s role in European decision-making in digital higher education

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HOU research addresses AI efficiency and student retention 

Recent HOU research highlights two key priorities for public higher education: improving efficiency through Artificial Intelligence and strengthening student retention. A new scoping review examined 21 empirical studies and found that AI can support cost reduction through administrative automation, resource optimisation, personalised learning at scale, and predictive analytics, while also noting challenges such as implementation costs and unequal institutional access. 

In parallel, HOU analysed dropout data from 69,077 students, identifying higher dropout risks among male and undergraduate students, learners in annually structured programmes, and vulnerable groups. Following these findings, HOU has launched the three-year COMPASS project, led by Rector M. Koutouzis, to develop indicators, predictive models, and evidence-based interventions to improve student success in distance higher education. 

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Guide to digitalize dual vocational training in EU 

A European guide has been developed to support the digitalization of dual vocational training using virtual reality. Created within the Erasmus+ Digital WBL project, it brings together partners from five countries to explore new methodologies for work-based learning. The initiative provides tools to design digital learning activities and includes a competency framework for instructors, contributing to the transformation of vocational education across Europe.

Find out more

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Digital Exams Strengthen Equal Opportunities

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, FFHS has been conducting all exams digitally – a step that went far beyond technical adjustments. Jetmire Sadiki, Head of E-Assessment, discusses recent changes and the new proctoring system at the FFHS. She also explains how digital assessments influence exam design and assesses the potential future impact of AI on e-assessments.

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UNINETTUNO launches Italy’s First Aeronautical Education Hub  

UNINETTUNO University has opened a new hub in Bergamo dedicated to aeronautical training, in collaboration with AEA – Aircraft Engineering Academy. Located near Orio al Serio Airport, the centre combines hands-on training with AEA and online modules delivered through UNINETTUNO’s digital learning platform.

This blended pathway prepares students to obtain the international licence required to work as certified aircraft maintenance technicians. Graduates may also continue towards a Bachelor’s degree in Management Engineering, specialising in Aeronautical Maintenance and Advanced Technologies.

“This initiative is fully aligned with UNINETTUNO’s core values, which since its foundation have been rooted in the innovation of distance learning processes through new digital technologies. Students who complete this study pathway will acquire the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately and at a highly qualified level in the aviation industry—one of the leading industrial and economic sectors globally,” is the declaration of Prof. Maria Amata Garito, Rector of the International Telematic University UNINETTUNO, after the opening of the UNINETTUNO hub. 

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Hellenic Open University opens 2026–2027 applications and strengthens programme accreditation

Applications for studies at the Hellenic Open University (HOU) are now open for the academic year 2026–2027! A total of 9 undergraduate and 60 postgraduate programs are available, including 9 programs offered in foreign languages. All applications must be submitted online before the 30th June 2026.  

6 more postgraduate programs have been fully accredited by the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE). To date, 78% of the Hellenic Open University programs have been accredited by HAHE. HOU is fully committed to continue offering high standard Open and Distance higher education in Greece.  

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