From 25 to 27 February 2026, UNICA Days 2026 took place in Brussels under the theme “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures”. The event was co-organised by UNICA, the Delegation for Relations with Canada of the European Parliament, the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Science|Business, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening transatlantic cooperation in higher education, research and scientific diplomacy.

As the third edition of UNICA’s annual flagship event, UNICA Days 2026 convened European and Canadian university leaders, policymakers, researchers and networks to explore the evolving EU–Canada relationship through the lens of higher education and research collaboration. The IAU was proud to provide a global perspective at this billateral meeting.

Shared values in a changing global context

UNICA Days is shaped by the belief that Canada and Europe share a deep and durable academic relationship, underpinned by common democratic principles and a strong tradition of cooperation in research and innovation. A significant step forward was taken in July 2024, when Canada became formally associated with Horizon Europe Pillar II, opening new avenues for Canadian institutions to engage more closely with European research and innovation ecosystems.

Against an international backdrop of political volatility and growing pressure on democratic norms, exchanges during UNICA Days 2026 underscored the responsibility of universities to act beyond their traditional academic missions. Participants emphasised the role of higher education institutions as spaces for open inquiry, trusted international cooperation and societal leadership, capable of strengthening democratic culture while contributing concrete solutions to shared global challenges.

IAU leadership and contributions across the programme

As a co-organising partner, the IAU played a central role throughout the event programme and was represented on site by Giorgio Marinoni, IAU Manager of Higher Education and Internationalization Policy and Projects, and Patrick Deane, IAU Vice-President and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University.

The IAU’s engagement began with Session 0 | EU–Canada Collaboration – Pitch and Connect, a dedicated networking session designed to foster mutual understanding between UNICA member universities, Canadian representatives and invited stakeholders. The session was chaired by UNICA Secretary General Luciano Saso and featured introductory contributions from UNICA President Sorin Costreie, alongside Giorgio Marinoni and Patrick Deane. Pitch-style presentations and open discussion showcased concrete institutional initiatives and opportunities for deeper EU–Canada collaboration.

The IAU was also prominently represented in Session 1 | Scientific Diplomacy and Societal Leadership: the role of universities in EU–Canada cooperation, which brought together senior representatives from academia, European institutions and diplomatic missions. Speaking during the panel, Patrick Deane emphasised the collective responsibility of universities in strengthening global academic ties, stating:

“We strengthen the partnership between EU and Canada to strengthen the global academic community.”

— Patrick Deane

Reflecting on the broader societal stakes of academic cooperation, he added:

“Academic values are inseparable from democratic values, and both are at present under severe threat. It has been gratifying and even inspiring today to explore ways in which international academic partnerships can be an effective counter to that threat. And while we have been focused specifically on strengthening academic ties between Canada and the EU, it was not lost on anyone that if the challenge to democracy is global, bonds between academic institutions everywhere need to be developed and reinforced.”

— Patrick Deane

The IAU further contributed to shaping the event’s forward-looking agenda by chairing Session 5 | Shared Values, Shared Futures: a roadmap for EU–Canada academic cooperation, led by Giorgio Marinoni. The session brought together university leaders and research strategists from Europe and Canada to identify shared priorities, address challenges, and outline pathways for sustainable and impactful transatlantic academic cooperation.

Reinforcing transatlantic cooperation

UNICA Days 2026 served as both a celebration of shared institutional ties and a strategic moment to strengthen EU–Canada collaboration in higher education and research. As a co-organiser, the IAU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting universities worldwide in advancing scientific diplomacy, safeguarding academic and democratic values, and fostering international partnerships capable of responding to common global challenges.