Frederick University welcomed more than 100 students from nine universities of the EU-CONEXUS European Universities Alliance to Nicosia, strengthening its international presence and its links with the European Higher Education Area.

The students participated in two international educational activities organised by the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance, of which Frederick University is a member: the 6th EU-CONEXUS PhD Summer School and the EU-CONEXUS Micro-credential Autumn School 2026.

The two activities brought students from across Europe to Nicosia, creating an international learning environment that combined education and knowledge exchange with collaboration, networking, and intercultural experiences.

The 6th EU-CONEXUS PhD Summer School took place from 10 to 17 July, bringing together 52 doctoral candidates from the universities participating in the Alliance. Under the theme “AI for Impact: From Smart Tools to Ethical Decision-Making”, the Summer School focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence in research, innovation, and higher education.

Through workshops, interdisciplinary discussions, and knowledge-sharing activities, participants had the opportunity to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence, as well as issues related to its responsible and ethical use.

The programme also included networking and cultural activities, giving participants the opportunity to get to know one another, exchange experiences, and establish new academic and personal connections.

The activities were also linked to the EU-CONEXUS thematic focus on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, which aims to address the complex challenges faced by coastal cities. In this context, participants visited the coastal city of Ayia Napa, where they were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr Christos Zannettou. The Mayor presented Ayia Napa’s development plans and the city’s strategy as a destination investing in culture, quality, and sustainable development.

The visit also included a traditional Cypriot breakfast in the courtyard of the “Agrotospito”, a pottery workshop, and a visit to the THALASSA Municipal Museum.

Participants also explored the old city of Nicosia and had the opportunity to experience Cypriot cuisine during an evening featuring traditional dances and music in the garden of Frederick University’s student residences.

The EU-CONEXUS Micro-credential Autumn School 2026 followed from 7 to 11 September at Frederick University in Nicosia, under the theme “Transferring Green Knowledge into Urban Action.”

Students from EU-CONEXUS partner universities travelled to Cyprus for a week of face-to-face learning, collaboration, and intercultural exchange. The Autumn School forms part of the broader EU-CONEXUS initiative to provide mobility opportunities and develop contemporary skills that respond to the needs of society and the labour market.

During the Autumn School, participants attended educational workshops covering two thematic areas: “Green Competences 4 All & Translating Research into Action in Healthcare” and “Theoretical Skills for PV Systems Installers & Innovations for Sustainable Urban Development.”

The micro-credentials offered through EU-CONEXUS are short, targeted educational programs that certify the acquisition of specific knowledge and skills. They focus on contemporary societal and labour market needs, with particular emphasis on green, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.

In addition to the educational program, the Autumn School included cultural and social activities, giving participants the opportunity to discover Cyprus, engage with the local culture, and establish new personal and academic connections with students from different European countries.

Hosting these two activities highlights Frederick University’s role in strengthening the European dimension of higher education and creating opportunities for international learning, collaboration, and mobility, both for its own student community and for students from abroad.

The EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance partner universities are: La Rochelle Université (France), Agricultural University of Athens (Greece), Frederick University (Cyprus), Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (Romania), Klaipeda University (Lithuania), Universidad Católica de Valencia “San Vicente Mártir” (Spain), University of Zadar (Croatia), South East Technological University (Ireland), and University of Rostock (Germany).