ENLIGHT Mid-Year Meeting 2026 in Galway: Building on Strong Foundations
More than 150 representatives from 10 ENLIGHT universities gathered at the University of Galway from 3–5 June 2026 for the ENLIGHT Mid-Year Meeting. Held under the theme Culture and Creativity, the three-day event brought together university leaders, researchers, educators, professional staff and students from across the alliance to review progress, strengthen collaboration and prepare for the next phase of ENLIGHT's development.
The meeting came at an important moment for the alliance. Earlier this year, ENLIGHT received a strongly positive mid-term review from the European Commission, which recognised the solid foundations it has built. In Galway, participants worked on addressing the review's recommendations while also preparing for the next European funding period.
Welcoming participants to Galway, University of Galway President Professor David Burn highlighted the value of the alliance for the university community:
“The discussions in Galway have reinforced the strength of the alliance and the shared commitment across our partner universities to deepen collaboration even further. We are excited about the opportunities ENLIGHT will continue to create for our university community.”
The programme combined strategic discussions at governance level with intensive working sessions across the alliance's boards, work packages and networks. Participants focused on strengthening cooperation across ENLIGHT, advancing plans for the Digital Campus, supporting collaboration through Knowledge Creation Teams, and discussing how to further embed ENLIGHT activities within partner institutions. Dedicated thematic sessions on governance, transformative higher education and internationalisation also helped shape the alliance's future priorities.
The University of Galway's theme of Culture and Creativity provided a framework for discussions on the role of universities in fostering innovation, inclusion and societal impact. Alongside the formal programme, delegates had the opportunity to experience Galway's cultural heritage through social events, a cultural performance and an after-hours visit to Galway City Museum.
The meeting concluded with thanks to the University of Galway team for hosting the ENLIGHT community. In her closing remarks, ENLIGHT Secretary General Dr Leah Vandeveer acknowledged the contributions of President David Burn, ENLIGHT Director and Vice President International Alex Metcalfe, Pamela Devins, Aishling Hanrahan, Kirstin Barnett, Jake Dykes, Louise Hannon, Aoife O'Toole and the wider Global Galway team.
Dr Vandeveer also paid tribute to the ENLIGHT Student Network and outgoing student representatives, recognising their commitment, leadership and vital contribution to the alliance's decision-making processes. As participants departed Galway, the meeting reaffirmed ENLIGHT's shared ambition to deepen cooperation across education, research, innovation and societal engagement, building on strong foundations for the years ahead.