Countdown begins for CIVIS First African–European Forum for Research and Education in Casablanca

From 25 to 27 March 2026, the Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C) will host the first African–European CIVIS Forum for Research and Education, a landmark gathering designed to strengthen intercontinental collaboration, develop joint research-driven education, and shape shared solutions to the most pressing societal challenges of our time.  

Together we are entering new research pathways to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges—from climate resilience and public health to migration and inclusive digitalisation. By bridging our rich cultural and academic contexts we stimulate the co-design of joint solutions. While we concede the variety of root causes, bearings and exposures, we aim for shared capabilities to overcome those

Bringing together the 17 research-intensive universities of CIVIS Alliance, the Forum embodies the Alliance’s commitment to equitable, transformative, and transdisciplinary cooperation across continents. It is conceived not as a traditional academic conference, but as a collaborative space for exchange, co-creation, and long-term partnership-building.

A forum for collaboration and societal impact 

The programme combines plenary sessions, mixed panels, tandem talks, and interactive poster pitches—all structured to promote openness, interdisciplinarity, and inclusive debate between academics and societal stakeholders.

Sessions will explore a wide range of shared priorities, including: 

• equitable African–European research collaboration; 
• strategies to navigate polycrisis in a complex world; 
• decolonising academic partnerships; 
• transregional sustainable development; 
• participatory action research in vulnerable contexts;;
• cultural heritage, migrant storytelling, and language education;
• climate change, epidemiology, gender equality, and ageing.

Presenting existing research, networking, sharing ideas and planning new projects – all this will be possible at the Forum. But it goes beyond a classical academic conference. We will also see best-practice exchange on transversal issues like bridging education and research on societal challenges or the collaboration with society. Not at least, academics may benefit from the presence of CIVIS academic support staff when exploring new initiatives. Reversely, the Forum provides a great opportunity to engage with researchers and educators on ways in which CIVIS may further enhance its academic support for African-European science collaboration

CIVIS to sign the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations 

A highlight of the event will be the signature of the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations, co-created by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). The Charter outlines principles and ambitions for more balanced global research partnerships and provides a framework for rethinking knowledge co-creation between Africa and Europe.
By signing it, CIVIS formalises its long-term commitment to equitable, impactful and mutually reinforcing cooperation.

“Signing the Charter is a significant step for our CIVIS Alliance to fully acknowledge the aspirations for transformative research collaborations within Africa and between Europe and Africa. Moving closer, in solidarity, towards transboundary research collaboration means to fully acknowledge all our valuable contributions to a common body of intellectual thoughts and universal societal engagement”, said Professor Lang.   

UH2C: a key actor in African–European scientific cooperation 

As an associate member of CIVIS Alliance, UH2C plays a central role in coordinating and hosting the Forum. With 18 institutions, 143,000 students, and a vibrant ecosystem of 99 research laboratories and 10 thematic innovation centres, UH2C stands as one of Morocco’s leading hubs for research and higher education.  

UH2C supports inclusive participation by covering accommodation and on-site hospitality for African partner institutions, deepening equity and long-term collaboration across the Alliance.  

We are pleased and proud to welcome the CIVIS community and guests in Casablanca! It was not only important for us to organise this first larger academic event of our alliance on African-European science partnerships in Africa. Hosting it at UH2C also mirrors our university’s strong commitment to promoting socially relevant science and bridging the research and higher education sectors of our two home continents

Programme highlights 

Across three days, the Forum will include: 

• An opening session with leaders from UH2C and the CIVIS Alliance; 
• Tandem talks featuring African and European scholars; 
• Panel discussions on research, education, social innovation, and societal challenges; 
• A poster gallery and pitch sessions on transformative projects; 
• A cultural evening and a guided city tour of Casablanca to foster informal exchanges.  

A dedicated Staff Week on research and education collaboration will run in parallel.  

This variety of formats for presenting, debating and meeting each other within the CIVIS academic community and beyond reflects the spirit of our Alliance: deepening cultural and scientific knowledge across borders aiming to improve collaboration and innovation capacity. We should be creative and ambitious in designing the role of universities in glocal ecosystems so that we can actively contribute to the challenges of our time

One more step towards a shared research-driven education agenda 

The Casablanca Forum marks the beginning of a series of African–European CIVIS Forums, each contributing to a long-term roadmap for transcontinental cooperation. By convening interdisciplinary expertise, societal actors, and institutional leadership, CIVIS aims to co-create a joint African–European research-driven education agenda that responds to global challenges through solidarity, sustainability, and shared knowledge.  

“We can only drive change when building on a shared vision. With all our different perspectives, experiences and cultural belongings, we figure a rich mosaic that unfolds itself when viewed from the right distance. Our common research agenda starts now, kicking off a journey towards a better mutual understanding of our concerns and joint solutions”, said Professor Lang.