Connecting universities and the people who work at them – lecturers, researchers and other staff – is one of the reasons Palacký University Olomouc is a member of the Aurora European university alliance. The Aurora Academic Matchmaking Event is designed for academics who want to explore the opportunities this collaboration offers and get involved themselves. It will take place on 3–4 November 2026 at Fort Science in Olomouc. Sign up to meet colleagues from partner universities with whom you could develop joint teaching, arrange exchange visits or share experience and teaching materials.
Would you like to invite an international colleague to contribute to your course, connect your students with peers in another country or develop a new course together? Often, the key is finding someone who shares your academic interests and is keen to collaborate. The November event is intended to help you do just that. The organisers particularly welcome academics who have not yet been involved in Aurora or have only limited experience of its activities.
What Aurora can offer your teaching
Aurora brings together European universities committed to using research and education for the benefit of society. Their collaboration gives UP academics access to international contacts, new teaching methods and joint projects. Academics can also propose topics, help develop courses or join one of Aurora’s academic communities.
You could start with a guest lecture or an exchange of teaching experience with a colleague at a partner university. That initial contact could later lead to a joint course or research project. Other options include online learning in which students from different countries work on shared assignments, or a short intensive programme combining face-to-face activities with a virtual component. Your students can benefit from these collaborations too, discovering different approaches to their subject and gaining experience of working in an international team.
Two days to meet colleagues and work together
The programme will give you plenty of time to get to know other participants and discover shared academic interests. The first day will feature examples of existing Aurora collaborations, short networking conversations in thematic groups and facilitated round-table discussions. You will have the opportunity to introduce your work and discuss what you would like to do next.
The second day will focus on developing ideas together. Coordinators and educational developers will help you shape your collaboration and agree on practical next steps: who will take responsibility for what, when things should happen and when you will meet again. You will also learn about the Aurora Hubs, their activities and how to join these thematic communities.
You do not need to prepare a presentation or poster in advance. Come with a sense of what you would like to discuss with colleagues and an openness to their ideas. The organisers will provide working materials and facilitate the discussions.
The event will bring together academics interested in health and wellbeing; sustainability and climate change; artificial intelligence and digital transformation; and cultures, identities and global citizenship. Further themes will include peace education and conflict resolution, as well as social entrepreneurship, innovation and educational methodologies. Participants are also welcome to suggest their own topics and ideas for interdisciplinary collaboration. A detailed overview is available on the event webpage.
Express your interest by 30 September
Further information is available on the event webpage, and a detailed programme for both days can be found in this PDF.
If you would like to take part, please complete the preliminary, non-binding registration form for UP staff by 30 September 2026. Participation is coordinated by the Aurora team at UP. Places are limited, and completing the form expresses your interest rather than confirming a place. If you have any questions, please contact Nela Melicharová.