EWORA 2026 Brussels Gathering
8–10 June 2026 | Brussels, Belgium
EWORA held its 2026 Brussels gathering on 8–10 June 2026, bringing together Board members, Advisory Board members, women leaders in academia, university leaders, policymakers, researchers, mentors, mentees, and experts for three days of dialogue, reflection, and exchange.
The programme opened with the EWORA Board Meeting and Advisory Board Meeting. These meetings provided an important opportunity to review ongoing activities, discuss strategic priorities, and reflect on EWORA’s future direction. The discussions focused on strengthening EWORA’s role as a European platform for women leaders in higher education, advancing gender equality in academia, and supporting international collaboration among universities and academic leaders.
Participants of the EWORA Academic Leadership & Mentoring Programme for Women came together in Brussels for an in-person workshop dedicated to reflection, dialogue, and peer exchange.
The workshop offered a valuable space for participants to share their experiences and perspectives on academic leadership, while reflecting on leadership journeys, institutional cultures, shared challenges, and the importance of supportive peer networks in academia. The in-person meeting also strengthened the sense of community within the mentoring programme, fostering mutual learning, encouragement, and connection among participants from different institutions and countries.
On 10 June, EWORA held the EWORA 2026 Conference at the Palace of the Academies in Brussels under the theme “Women’s Leadership in Academia in Times of Rising Geopolitical Tensions.”
The conference brought together distinguished academic leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the role of women’s leadership in shaping higher education in a rapidly changing European and global context. Discussions addressed gender equality in higher education, academic freedom, democracy, institutional resilience, and the future of universities.
Together, the Board and Advisory Board meetings, the mentoring workshop, and the conference created a meaningful space for exchange, learning, and connection within the EWORA community. The three-day gathering reaffirmed EWORA’s commitment to supporting women leaders in academia, advancing gender equality, and fostering international cooperation among universities and higher education stakeholders.
Through keynote speeches, plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and peer exchange, participants reflected on the responsibilities of universities in times of uncertainty and the importance of strengthening women’s leadership at all levels of higher education.
EWORA is grateful to all Board and Advisory Board members, speakers, participants, moderators, mentors, mentees, partners, and colleagues who contributed to the success of the Brussels gathering. Their engagement and insights made the 2026 programme a valuable opportunity for reflection, collaboration, and shared inspiration.
EWORA looks forward to continuing these important conversations and to further strengthening the networks created through its governance meetings, conference activities, and the Academic Leadership & Mentoring Programme for Women.
