From Malta to the Baltic: UM at the 3rd Being SEA-EU Conference

The biggest event in the SEA-EU calendar returned for its third edition from 15 to 17 September 2026, this time hosted by the University of Gdańsk in Poland.

Bringing together the nine coastal universities of the SEA-EU Alliance, the 3rd Being SEA-EU Conference provided a space for nearly 300 academics, researchers, students and professional staff from across Europe to meet, exchange ideas and showcase the growing collaboration developed through SEA-EU. Over three days, the conference featured 20 thematic panels and more than 100 presentations.

Taking place as the second phase of the SEA-EU Alliance approaches its conclusion, the conference focused on the ecosystem of collaboration, innovation and academic exchange that has developed over the Alliance’s seven years. It also offered an opportunity to reflect on SEA-EU’s research potential, share success stories and look ahead to the next phase of the Alliance.

The conference programme reflected the breadth of activity taking place across SEA-EU. Sessions addressed gender equality, diversity and inclusion in academia; inclusive education and pedagogical innovation; student wellbeing; biotechnology and biomedical innovation; psychology, mental health and wellbeing in the digital world; and marine science, oceanography and coastal research and climate change

Institutional transformation was another important theme throughout the conference. Several contributions explored how collaboration within SEA-EU has influenced practices and structures within partner universities, demonstrating how the Alliance’s impact extends beyond individual projects and activities to the institutions themselves.

The University of Malta was strongly represented in Gdańsk, with 21 participants including academics, students and staff involved in SEA-EU activities. This marked the largest UM delegation travelling abroad for a SEA-EU event to date, reflecting the growing engagement of the University community in the Alliance and the breadth of disciplines and areas now involved.

UM’s participation was coordinated by the SEA-EU Office, under the Pro-Rector for Internationalisation, Enterprise and Outreach, Prof. Leonie Baldacchino, bringing together participants from across the University and supporting their involvement in the different strands of the conference.

Beyond showcasing the work achieved so far, this event provided an opportunity for the nine SEA-EU universities to strengthen connections across disciplines and institutions. As SEA-EU prepares for its next chapter, the conference in Gdańsk highlighted both how far the Alliance has developed over the past seven years and the increasingly connected academic community that has emerged around it.