EU-CONEXUS participate in IAIE conference hosted by SETU
The Irish Association for International Education (IAIE) held its inaugural conference, Internationalisation in Higher Education – Looking to the Future, at SETU’s Waterford Campus on 12–13 June. European University Alliances featured prominently on the conference schedule.
As a key partner in EU-CONEXUS, the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, SETU played a prominent role in the conference programme. Several internationalisation initiatives developed through the alliance were showcased, highlighting the university’s active contribution to collaborative European education. Bridget Cheasty, EU-CONEXUS Communications Officer at SETU, and Dr Susan Flynn, Head of the Department of Arts at SETU, presented on Creative Internationalisation through Arts and Culture. Their presentation highlighted how equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential components of Internationalisation at Home, illustrating successful examples of creative practice within the EU-CONEXUS alliance.
Bridget Cheasty, EU-CONEXUS Communications Officer at SETU, and Dr Susan Flynn, Head of the Department of Arts at SETU presenting at conference.
Another standout of the programme was the display of EU-CONEXUS student visual art. The touring exhibition featured works by students from across the alliance, each piece offering a unique and creative interpretation of coastal sustainability.
Additionally, a poster session spotlighted the work of EngageAll, a Community of Practice (CoP) in which EU-CONEXUS at SETU actively participates. The poster outlined the CoP’s goals, including strengthening professional capacity and promoting best practices in internationalisation.
Bridget Cheasty and Evan Connor pictured at the EngageAll CoP poster
The conference concluded with a panel discussion chaired by David Denieffe, Vice-President for Student Engagement at SETU and Head of the EU-CONEXUS Academic Council. Panellists included:
Aoife Dowling, UNIC European University, Project Officer, UCC
Evan Connor, Una Europa European University & EngageAll Community of Practice, UCD
Dr Mike Kinsella, Science Lecturer and Academic Lead for EU-CONEXUS, SETU
Santiago Dei Cas, Student, EU-CONEXUS European University, SETU
Barry Dignam, Vice Dean European University, Programme Director FilmEU, IADT
The discussion, titled Global Citizens: European University Alliances’ Contribution to Internationalising Higher Education in Europe, explored the role of European Universities in developing global citizens, promoting European values, and navigating geopolitical challenges. It also considered Ireland’s role within European Alliances and the future direction of these initiatives.
SETU student Santiago Dei Cas shared his experience of completing two EU-CONEXUS modules as part of the minor programme offerings. He spoke eloquently about the personal and professional benefits of international learning, highlighting its value in strengthening his CV.
Pictured L-R Santiago Dei Cas, Student, EU-CONEXUS European University, SETU; Dr Mike Kinsella, Science Lecturer and Academic Lead for EU-CONEXUS, SETU; Barry Dignam, Vice Dean European University, Programme Director FilmEU, IADT; Evan Connor, Una Europa European University & EngageAll Community of Practice, UCD; Aoife Dowling, UNIC European University, Project Officer, UCC. Chaired by David Denieffe, Vice-President for Student Engagement at SETU and Head of the EU-CONEXUS Academic Council.
The IAIE conference at SETU provided a valuable platform to showcase the innovative internationalisation efforts taking place across European University Alliances. From insightful presentations and cross-institutional collaboration to student-led artistic expressions of sustainability, the event demonstrated how EU-CONEXUS is contributing meaningfully to the future of higher education. As the global landscape continues to evolve, EU-CONEXUS remains committed to fostering inclusive, creative, and forward-thinking approaches to education—preparing both students and staff to thrive as global citizens.
