Upcoming events within FORTHEM Alliance

University of Jyväskylä is a member of FORTHEM, a European Universities Alliance. Together with 8 European partner universities, we develop our activities and offer new kinds of international networking and learning possibilities to for our students, researchers, staff members and local partners. On this page, we list some highlights from the events calendar.

Published

7.1.2026

Selected FORTHEM opportunities in January 2026

We have collected here some highlights for the upcoming months. All upcoming events can be found in the events calendar on the FORTHEM Alliance website

Horizon Europe Pillar II: Consortia project ideation, proposal development, and application processes - from idea to funding

A three-day bootcamp in the winter wonderland of Jyväskylä: workshops, group discussions, seminars, and activities on the theme of developing joint, collaborative consortia project ideas to proposals and funding applications in the Horizon Europe Pillar II programme for 2026 and 2027.
Further discussions and funding action plans for the new Horizon Europe Work Programme 2028-2034.

Please note the dates on the FORTHEM website (link below) are incorrect: the bootcamp will be organised in March, not 21-23 January. The registration for the bootcamp will re-open in late January.

Register by 9.1.2026 Exploring Societal Art - Digital Course

The course ‘Exploring Societal Art’ gives a multidisciplinary introduction into how art and culture reflect, interact with, and influence social issues, cultural dynamics, and community engagement.

Students will work in international, cross-disciplinary teams to explore the role and potential of arts and culture in social activism, learning how art can foster dialogue, challenge norms, and drive social change.

But, where's the line between highlighting injustice and exploiting it, and when does participation become manipulation?

Students will earn 2.5 ECTS credits upon completion.

Course duration: 23 January 2026 - 22 June 2026

Register by 12.1.2026 Online Matchmaking Event: Interdisciplinary Meeting of the Food Science & Climate and Resources Labs

On 13 January from 14:00 to 17:00, the University Bourgogne Europe and the University of Mainz invite you to take part in an online event dedicated to networking researchers, experts, and innovators connected to the Food Science and Climate & Resources Labs of the FORTHEM Alliance.

The FORTHEM Labs are collaborative networks where students, researchers, administrative staff, and external stakeholders co-create the solutions of tomorrow. Each of the nine labs focuses on a key theme linked to major societal challenges, fostering exchange across countries, cultures, and disciplines.

This matchmaking event will therefore be an opportunity to identify common topics between the labs, share research needs, and spark potential collaborations among partner universities. You will be able to discover ongoing projects, present your ideas, and find partners to bring future collaborations to life.

Provisional agenda:
14:00 – 14:45: Introduction and presentation of the Food Science and Climate and Resources Labs (objectives, ongoing projects, collaborations)
14:45 – 15:00: EU funding opportunities – Horizon Europe
15:00– 15:15: Q&A
15:15 – 16:30: Research project presentations and Q&A

The session will be held entirely in English.

Apply by 16.1.2026 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: FORTHEM Research Stays

FORTHEM Alliance offers postdoctoral researchers (up to 8 years after completing their PhD), 2 financial aids to do a research stay in 2026 in a FORTHEM country non-academic hosting institution for up to 3 months. The proposal must be linked to a concrete prospective research project in which the host will be involved (e.g., MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship, ERC Starting Grants, any bilateral funding scheme, etc.).

To be a beneficiary of this aid, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

Postdoctoral researcher - any area of knowledge
PhD obtained 8 years ago or less at the moment of the application submission
Linked to one of the FORTHEM universities (working contract or official stipend/fellowship)
Linked to a concrete prospective research project

Register by 18.1.2026 Team&Client Multidisciplinary Business Project 2026

Would you like to develop practical work-related skills and work in a multidisciplinary team? Welcome to the multidisciplinary business project! We welcome enthusiastic students with different backgrounds and from the different fields, so don't hesitate to apply whether you are a master’s degree humanist, natural scientist, economist, or something in between.

In the Team&Client Multidisciplinary Business Project we have several external clients who are in need of new and creative ideas, and enthusiastic individuals to help them with their challenges at hand. If you perform well, you might even find your future job from the client or their networks! At least you will learn a lot of practical skills and get to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The Team&Client Multidisciplinary Business Project is a three-month project not including any mobility for FORTHEM students. You may work remotely with your team consisting of other FORTHEM students and Jamk students. Your team will be assigned with a coach to help you with your project.

Register by 18.1.2026 Introduction to Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence

The course provides insights and perspectives on the operational, business, ethical, regulatory and social considerations around AI so that students get equipped to critically appraise AI technologies and their use. On completion, students will have developed an informed opinion about the possibilities of AI technologies and will be able to reflect on their implications and potential applications. This course is relevant to students who are interested in learning about the role of AI in society, organisations and individuals, and to develop an initial understanding of human-centered AI design.

Register by 19.1.2026 Ethics and Academic Integrity in Modern Research: Promoting Responsible Practices & Values in an AI-Driven Era

This four-part online webinar series, organized by Université Bourgogne Europe and Universitat de València, addresses the critical intersection of research ethics, academic integrity, and emerging technologies. Designed for Master's students, doctoral candidates, and academic researchers, this series builds on three previously successful iterations, reinforcing our institutions' commitment to fostering responsible research practices.

4 Hands-On Sessions (1h 30h) (15 min. Open discussion)
Dates: 21 January and 28 January 2026; 4 February and 11 February 2026
Schedule: 5:00 p.m-6.30 p.m. UTC+1

Programme overview

Session 1: “Integrity in Modern Research: Current Standards, Regulations and Academic Guidelines" – 21 January 2026
Session 2: “The Rise of AI-Driven Academic Fraud: Modern Threats to Research Integrity” – 28 January 2026
Session 3: “Protecting your Research from Predatory Practices in Scholarly Publishing: Red Flags and Practical Strategies” – 4 February 2026
Session 4: “Is AI Being Used Responsibly in Research? Ethical Risks and Practical Implications” – 11 February 2026

Register by 19.1.2026 Online Course: Language and Artificial Intelligence

This course offers a comprehensive examination of the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its significant implications for applied foreign languages. Students will explore the historical context, current applications, and future trends of AI in language technology while acquiring essential skills for navigating the modern language industry, particularly in data literacy and digital literacy.

Organizer: Université Bourgogne Europe
Course duration:19 January 2026 - 27 March 2026

Read more and register by 19 January

Register by 20.1.2026 Call for Papers: FORTHEM Journal Invites Submissions from Young Researchers

The FORTHEM Journal is now accepting submissions for its next issue! This is your chance to publish your research in a multidisciplinary, international journal dedicated to fostering academic excellence among early-career scholars.

The journal provides a platform for early-career scholars to share their innovative research, engage in academic discourse, and contribute to knowledge advancement in various fields. This initiative aligns with the core mission of the FORTHEM Alliance to promote cross-border research and collaboration among young researchers.

Register by 23.1.2026 Online Workshop: Entrepreneurship, ethics and legitimacy in an ever-changing world

This workshop is designed as an immersive, high-value learning experience addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by present entrepreneurship: how to create, sustain, and scale entrepreneurial initiatives that are not only economically viable but also ethically grounded and socially legitimate in a rapidly changing global environment.

The workshop adopts an interactive and applied methodology, combining conceptual frameworks from entrepreneurship, ethics, and sustainability, with real-world cases, group discussions, and guided reflection.

The workshop is open to Doctoral Students, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Junior Professors up to 8 years after completing the PhD from any university of the FORTHEM Alliance.

Register by 27.1.2026 Online Student Workshop "Participatory AI for Climate"

“Participatory AI for Climate” is a project by the nine FORTHEM Alliance partner universities across Europe. The workshop aims to gather student perspectives to support the development of a new international and interdisciplinary FORTHEM teaching programme on participatory uses of AI in climate contexts. If you are interested in the role AI can play in responding to the climate crisis and want to help shape a new teaching program, register below and join the brainstorming workshop!

Event details:

Date: 6.2.2026
Time: 10:00-16:00 (CEST)
Location: Online, Microsoft Teams
Read more and register by 27 January

Register by 30.1.2026 FORTHEM Digital Toolbox Talk - Share, Explore, Connect

Digital Toolbox Talks are informal online meetups dedicated to exploring the use of digital tools in university teaching. The format is designed to foster knowledge exchange among members of the FORTHEM community who are curious about or passionate about digitally enhanced teaching. Digital Toolbox Talks are primarily designed for educators and instructional staff from FORTHEM universities. However, students and any member of the FORTHEM community interested in discussing digital tools in a relaxed setting are warmly invited to participate.

Organizer:The Digital Toolbox Talks are organized by the FORTHEM Think Tank for innovative learning and teaching (T5.2) in cooperation with the FORTHEM Digital Academy (T3.1).
Location: Online

Register by 31.1.2026 FORTHEM PhD Network

FORTHEM Alliance is establishing a PhD Network to connect researchers working at the doctoral level across all partner universities, strengthen their visibility, and integrate their perspectives into FORTHEM’s activities in research, innovation, education, and societal engagement.

FORTHEM invites motivated candidates from all disciplines to join the founding group and participate in a Conference on the Role of Universities in Science Diplomacy held under the FORTHEM Presidency. Selected participants will participate in a five-day stay in Opole (20–24 April 2026) to meet, exchange perspectives, and jointly develop the network’s initial concept with alliance representatives.

Who can apply?
Researchers working at the doctoral level at any FORTHEM partner university (enrolled PhD candidates or researchers engaged in doctoral research).
All disciplines are eligible.
Applicants should be motivated to co-create a transnational PhD Network.

Apply by 1.3.2026 Summer School in Opole 2026 "Frontiers in Education"

The University of Opole (UO), Poland, is hosting the fourth edition of the FORTHEM Summer School for Teachers and Teacher Education Students between June 22 and 26, 2026. The Summer School will focus on the exploration of the frontiers in a variety of areas of education: Gamification, Lifelong Learning, Online Learning, Moodle Courses, and Economics, among others.

Target groups: Students, school teachers and university lecturers

Apply by 31.3.2026 Summer School in Riga 2026 "Teaching for the Future: Learning through Innovation"

The Summer School for Teachers and Teacher Education Students 2026, hosted by the University of Latvia, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, invites young teachers, MA and PhD students in pedagogy to immerse themselves in an inspiring week of creative learning and digital exploration.
This international programme focuses on innovative pedagogical approaches, including the integration of AI tools in education, the digital principles of modern pedagogy, and the development of digital competencies essential for future educators.
Through workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, participants will explore how emerging technologies can transform teaching, learning, and creative expression.

Target groups:MA and PhD students (young teachers) in Pedagogy and Teacher Education, primary/secondary school teachers, Pedagogy and Teacher Education university teaching staff

Stay tuned

Check the FORTHEM Alliance event calendar for more events online and on-site at the FORTHEM partner universities campuses!
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