The Eighth ACE2-EU Academic Networking Event ACEploration Held in Madrid
On 10–11 March 2026, the international ACEploration networking event of the ACE2-EU European University Alliance took place in Madrid, Spain, bringing together representatives of partner institutions to strengthen academic collaboration, foster exchange of experience, and develop joint academic initiatives. The meeting was hosted by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, providing a platform for discussions on innovative approaches in higher education and the development of joint study programmes.
The Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC) was represented by Head of the Department of Cultural Sociology and Management Ance Kristāla, Deputy Head of the Study Department Paula Tāre, guest lecturer and Director of the British Council in Latvia Zane Matesoviča, and ACE2-EU APP Factory Work Package Coordinator Baiba Freimane.
“This was my first time participating in an ACEploration event, and it proved to be a highly valuable experience. The discussions were intensive and productive, and the overall atmosphere was genuinely creative and open to collaboration. This meeting once again confirmed that meaningful synergies can be found between technology, engineering, and cultural fields, provided there is willingness to engage deeply and seek common ground. Particularly valuable was the opportunity to meet potential partners for developing dynamic short-term courses, and I believe these conversations will lead to concrete joint projects,” said LAC representative Zane Matesoviča.
This meeting of nine partner universities stood out for its focus not only on short-cycle programmes developed by teaching staff but also on the advancement of joint international Master’s and doctoral study programmes. LAC representatives, together with colleagues from other alliance universities, participated in a working group dedicated to the development of joint European degree Master’s programmes. The sessions provided insights into formal accreditation requirements while also helping identify shared interests and potential partners, particularly in areas related to the application of intercultural competencies in the development of human-centred technologies.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the activities, strengths, and development directions of Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, as well as the objectives of ACEploration. The programme included thematic sessions on the development of joint Master’s and doctoral programmes, quality assurance principles, and experiential learning approaches. In working groups, participants presented ideas, engaged in co-creation sessions, and established new collaboration contacts. A campus tour was also organised, offering insight into the university’s study environment and infrastructure.
The second day focused on evaluating the outcomes and planning future collaboration steps. Participants reviewed the results of the first day, shared pedagogical experiences, and discussed the development of inclusive, competence-based, and practice-oriented education. The event concluded with presentations of proposed joint programmes and the definition of next steps within the partnership.
LAC’s proposal to develop a short-term course on culture as a tool for social impact, in collaboration with partners from Spain and Germany, received strong support. LAC representatives were also invited to participate in the short-term course “Drama for Communication”, organised by Spanish academic staff.
More about the activities of ACE2-EU: https://www.ace2eu.eu/
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project 101177596. The ACE²-EU project is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.