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The EUA Funding Forum is a unique platform that brings over 200 experts and leaders – university leadership and management teams, public authorities, funding agencies, higher education researchers, student representatives and partners – to exchange and discuss the latest trends in higher education and research funding.
This year, the Forum will take place at Brno University of Technology on 14-16 October 2026.
In 2026, the EUA Funding Forum returns to explore ‘a university of value’.
Value for society, value for money, academic values: how do these concepts permeate funding models and strategic choices? Together, the higher education and research community will explore how to support and sustain a university of value for Europe: one that is equipped to meet the demands of the present and shape the possibilities of the future.
Dear Colleagues,
It is a great honour for Brno University of Technology to host the 2026 EUA Funding Forum. This year’s gathering is particularly meaningful, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the European University Association. Hosting this milestone event under the theme “A University of Value” offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the role universities play in shaping a Europe increasingly defined by resilience, global competitiveness, and technological sovereignty.
Europe and the wider world are undergoing a profound transformation. As emphasized in the strategic reports by Mario Draghi, Manuel Heitor, and Enrico Letta, universities must be understood not merely as educational institutions, but as key drivers of economic transition and innovation. At Brno University of Technology, we are convinced that excellent, applicable research, combined with top talent in STEM fields, is the only way to bridge the gap between societal needs and industrial capacity. Investing in knowledge is not simply a budgetary decision; it is a strategic prerequisite for our long-term prosperity.
My perspective is shaped by two years of chairing the Governing Board of the EULiST Alliance, as well as my roles as Chair of the Czech Association of Research Universities and Vice-President for Economic Affairs of the Czech Rectors Conference. Having been closely engaged in the transformation of higher education funding, I have seen first-hand the shift towards excellence-based and performance-oriented models. We are pleased to share our progress in modernizing the Czech system while drawing inspiration from our European partners.
Beyond the formal programme, I warmly invite you to experience the unique atmosphere of Brno. Often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Central Europe,” Brno boasts a remarkable concentration of high-tech industries and research institutions. It is a city where rich academic traditions and a vibrant student life converge with a dynamic innovation ecosystem. This blend of history and creativity provides the perfect environment for our discussions on the future of European higher education.
I am convinced that the ideas and best practices shared during this Forum will contribute to more sustainable funding models across Europe. We look forward to welcoming you to Brno in October 2026.
Ladislav Janíček, Rector, Brno University of Technology
Brno University of Technology (BUT) is one of the two largest technical and engineering universities in the Czech Republic and ranks among Central Europe's leading educational, scientific and research institutions.
Founded in 1899, BUT now has approximately 18,000 students. The university’s academic programmes span not only engineering but also natural sciences, architecture, fine arts, IT and economics, with a strong interdisciplinary focus and close ties to industry. With its state-of-the-art research facilities and academic excellence, BUT enjoys a distinguished reputation among students and professionals alike.
Most of the university's buildings are situated on the ‘Pod Palackého Vrchem’ campus in the northern part of Brno. This campus hosts the new facilities of several faculties, the Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) and BUT’s unique sports facilities. In addition to constructing new buildings, BUT also focuses on preserving and modernizing historic structures. For example, the Carthusian monastery has been architecturally integrated with the modern premises of the Faculty of Information Technology, blending history with innovation.
As a member of CESAER, the EULiST (European Universities Linking Society and Technology) European Universities alliance, the European University Association and other networks, BUT is deeply involved in university cooperation. In addition, BUT works closely with leading companies to ensure that its research and educational activities are aligned with industry needs, particularly in areas such as engineering, IT and applied sciences. Through these partnerships, the university engages in applied research projects that address real-world challenges, driving innovation and technological advancement.
Brno is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic and with over 60,000 students, it is a true student city where the student population is an integral part of city life. Indeed, Brno has been ranked among the most popular student cities worldwide, thanks to its world-class education, affordable cost of living, central location in Europe and overall safety.
Brno offers an extraordinarily rich cultural life, which is quite remarkable for a city of its size. The cultural scene ranges from exhibitions in museums and galeries to plays, concerts, operas and dance performances, offering a wide array of possibilities.
Brno also boasts many valuable historical buildings and intriguing sites. The city is characterized by two dominant hills in its centre: Petrov Hill, crowned by the
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, and Špilberk Hill, home to the city’s famous castle.
Additionally, Brno is rich in greenery, with numerous parks and even forests accessible via the city’s efficient public transportation system, offering relaxing retreats amidst nature. The Brno Observatory and Planetarium is another popular destination.
Brno has earned the nickname ‘Czech Silicon Valley’ due to its thriving technology and innovation scene. The city is a major hub for IT and tech companies, including many startups and established global firms that are attracted by its central location, highly skilled workforce and strong infrastructure.
EUA aims to ensure participation of all members who wish to attend our events. However, each event has a limited capacity, and to guarantee a fair balance amongst countries and institutions, EUA may have to restrict attendance. As a result, EUA reserves the right to refuse registrations if there are too many participants from any one country or from one institution. Priority will be given to those who register early. We will not be able to accept additional registrations once the event is full, even if this occurs before the registration deadline.
The early registration deadline is 2 September 2026. The ultimate deadline for registration is 28 September 2026.
MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR ATTENDANCE
Confirmation: Your registration will be confirmed by email. Please wait for your confirmation before making any further arrangements. Deadline for registration is 28 September 2026.
Payment: Payment must be made upon confirmation and prior to the event either by bank transfer or credit card. The participant assumes full responsibility for paying all bank charges associated with the payment.
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
Requests to cancel registration must be sent in writing to the following email address: events@eua.eu. Substitutes will be accepted at any time provided that EUA is informed of the change.
Liability: Neither EUA nor Brno University of Technology will be liable for any losses, accidents or damage to persons or objects, regardless of the cause. Participants and companions attend the conference and all related events at their own risk and responsibility.
Enquiries: Please contact:
The call for contributions to present at this year’s Funding Forum is now closed.
INFORMATION
Forum sessions on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October: Brno University of Technology - Faculty of Mechanical EngineeringTechnická 2896, 616 69 Brno-Královo Pole, CzechiaSocial programme
ACCOMMODATION
