Eunice - European University for Customised Education
In July 2020, the University of Catania joined forces with six other higher education institutions to form EUNICE - the European University for Customised Education. This alliance was created as part of the European Universities Initiative, a programme supported by the European Commission to promote a truly integrated European area for research and education.
Since its inception, EUNICE has grown to include, with EUNICE4U start: Nov 2023; end: Oct 2027), 10 universities across Europe, representing a dynamic and diverse academic network:
- Politechnika Poznańska (PUT) - Poland
- Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) - Germany
- Universidad de Cantabria (UC) - Spain
- University of Mons (UMONS) - Belgium
- Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France (UPHF) - France
- University of Vaasa (UVA) - Finland
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu (IPV) - Portugal
- Karlstad University (KAU) - Sweden (to join)
- University of Peloponnese (UoP) - Greece
- University of Catania (UNICT) – Italy
Through EUNICE, these institutions are redefining cooperation in higher education. Students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff benefit from shared academic programmes, mobility opportunities, and joint research projects - all within a framework that supports regional engagement and virtual collaboration.
In 2023, the alliance formalised its collaboration by establishing an international non-profit association (AISBL) under Belgian law, giving EUNICE full legal status and enhancing its operational capabilities. Since November 2024, Prof. Lucia Zappalà is in charge as Chair of the Board of Directors of EUNICE AISBL.
Local coordinator of EUNICE at University of Catania: Prof. Cristina Satriano.
Our mission: shaping the future of education
EUNICE is committed to providing flexible, inclusive and high-quality education that evolves with the demands of today's global workplace. Our mission is to support each learner's unique journey - celebrating diversity in gender, background, aspirations and challenges - while promoting lifelong learning.
By integrating insights from behavioural economics, adopting innovative technologies and prioritising student-centred learning, EUNICE offers a personalised and adaptive educational experience. This is education reimagined: accessible, empowering and forward-looking.
How we work
The EUNICE project is structured around five strategic work packages designed to drive innovation and impact:
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WP1: Project Management and Coordination
Ensures smooth governance and alignment across the Alliance -
WP2: Academic and wider skills development provision
Develops flexible curricula and cross-institutional learning pathways -
WP3: Experiential Learning and Mobility
Promotes student and staff exchanges, internships and work-based learning -
WP4: Research-driven bridges between university, business and society
leader: University of Catania - co-leader: Brandenburg University of Technology - Germany
Fosters collaboration with industry, public institutions and civil society -
WP5: Communication, Impact and Dissemination
Maximises outreach, stakeholder engagement and long-term sustainability
EUNICE organizational chart:
- Dr. Valentina Barbagallo (Coordinator of International Relation Office at UNICT, till May 2025, In memoriam)
- Dr. Rosa Rossi (Project Officer)
- Carmela Astone (Financial Officer)
- Enrica Cappadonna (WP2 & WP3 coordinator)
- Alessandro David Russo (WP5-IT, Moodle manager)
- Eugenia Curione (Mobility Task Force)
- Prof. Lucia Zappalà (Board of Director, Chair)
- Prof. Cristina Satriano (Board of Director, WP4 leader)
- Prof. Francesca Maria Vigo (local WP2 leader)
- Prof. Sabina Fontana (local WP3 leader)
- Prof. Dario Allegra (local WP5 leader)
Welcome to EUNICE - where education is personal, inclusive and borderless.
