BANJA LUKA UNIVERSITY STRENGTHENS COOPERATION WITH EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES

Representatives of the University of Banja Luka took part in the annual meeting of the Across Alliance, held from October 13 to 15, 2026, at Bialystok University of Technology in Poland.

The meeting brought together representatives of partner universities, academic staff, researchers, administrative personnel and students to review achievements to date and agree on priorities for the next phase of the project.

The University of Banja Luka was represented by Vice-Rectors Professor Milica Balaban and Professor Kristina Pantelić Babić, members of the alliance’s working teams and student representatives.

DEVELOPING JOINT STUDY PROGRAMMES

The three-day programme included working group meetings, thematic workshops and activities aimed at strengthening cooperation between different work packages.

The vice-rectors also participated in meetings of the alliance’s Executive Board and strategic panels addressing the development of European university alliances, their governance, funding and long-term sustainability.

Particular attention was given to developing a joint educational offer, Atomic Learning Units (ALUs), micro-credentials and digital badges, as well as opportunities to integrate these learning formats into undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies.

Participants also discussed models for developing joint and double-degree programmes, improving academic mobility and further advancing the Across eCampus digital platform.

SUPPORT FOR ACADEMIC STAFF AND RESEARCH

A significant part of the programme focused on professional development for academic staff and the development of the Across Academy for Teacher Training. Discussions also addressed strengthening research cooperation and establishing interdisciplinary research teams.

Other topics included the activities of the Across Think Tank, the preparation of new international projects, improving communication and the visibility of results, and encouraging greater participation by university staff and students in joint initiatives.

A dedicated programme was organised for student representatives, who exchanged experiences and explored opportunities for more active student involvement in the alliance’s activities and international cooperation.

At the Executive Board meeting, participants reviewed progress across the work packages, financial matters, performance indicators and governance documents, as well as preparations for the next phase of project implementation.

BANJA LUKA UNIVERSITY LEADS A KEY WORK PACKAGE

The University of Banja Luka leads the Across Alliance’s second work package, which focuses on developing educational opportunities and strengthening inter-university cooperation. Its representatives are also actively involved in other work packages and the alliance’s governance bodies.

The annual meeting in Poland provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, coordinate activities among working groups and agree on further cooperation between partner universities.

The University of Banja Luka has been a full member of the Across Alliance since 2024. Through its participation, the university contributes to innovative educational models, stronger international partnerships and closer links between European universities.