Verona connects cultures and innovation | Eugift project partners hosted by the University
European universities seek a common strategy focused on excellence in research
On the occasion of the inauguration of the 2026 academic year, the University of Verona hosted representatives from three European partner universities of the Eugift project—an alliance of European higher education institutions aimed at developing a shared strategy centered on excellence in teaching and research. The University of Verona is the only Italian member.
The ceremony was attended by Cristina Maria Teixeira Saraiva, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Institutional Partnerships at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (Portugal), Tibor Juhász, Vice-Rector for Research at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University (Hungary), and Cornel Catoi, Rector of the University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania). Their presence highlighted the University of Verona’s increasingly international and collaborative dimension.
“The Eugift alliance, as demonstrated by the presence of our academic guests, is more than just a network,” explained Rector Chiara Leardini. “It is a laboratory for European integration.”
“European research networks are an essential asset to address current global challenges, such as digital and green transitions and sustainability,” said Giandomenico Orlandi, Vice-Rector for Internationalization Strategy at the University of Verona. “Operating at the European level is the only way to tackle these challenges, as it allows us to reach a scale that is competitive with other global players.”
This idea was also emphasized by the international partners. “Participating in a network like Eugift is very important for a university,” said Tibor Juhász, Vice-Rector for Research at Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, “because improving joint research and attracting international students are essential to the life of a university.”
Cristina Maria Teixeira Saraiva, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Institutional Partnerships at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, stated: “Together, we can work to provide more opportunities not only for researchers but also, for example, by developing micro-credentials for lifelong learning. It is very important for us to have diverse partners in order to gain more knowledge and competencies.”
Finally, Cornel Catoi, Rector of the University of Cluj-Napoca, underlined: “We contribute to improving the quality of education, research, and cooperation in Europe. This will help Europe develop a common approach while preserving its diverse local identities.”
The presence of international guests highlighted the strong commitment of the University of Verona to internationalization strategies, aimed at building ever stronger connections between Verona and its European and global partners.
