EUNICoast is a pioneering European University Alliance focused on the unique challenges and opportunities of European ports, islands and coastal regions, blending sustainability, education, research and innovation, and community engagement.
EUNICoast aims to nurture the human dimension of ports and islands, two distinct yet intertwined elements, by creating an educational environment that merges the dynamism of ports with the interconnectedness of islands. We envision a world where ports not only facilitate trade but also cultivate cultural exchange, where islands are not isolated outposts but crossroads for the transmission of innovations.
With 12 member universities and 88 associated partners, we offer a broad perspective to effectively tackle the complexities of Europe’s Blue Economy. Our ports and islands connect Europe to the world: South to Africa through Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, West to the Americas through the Azores and French Antilles, North to the Baltic, East towards Asia through Burgas and Patras.
By working together to advance our educational, research, innovation and engagement missions, we aim to (1) Help build strong foundations for the next generation of European and global students and citizens who are engaged, aware and willing to contribute to meeting sustainability; (2) Foster a multicultural, multilingual and inclusive European education, research, and innovation environment which is open to the world; and (3) Enhance the joint capacity of the partner universities to better respond to the societal and environmental challenges faced by island and coastal communities.
By enhancing our collaboration across all these dimensions, and by engaging with external stakeholders, EUNICoast can make an unmatched contribution towards the sustainability of ports, islands and coastal communities across Europe and the world – and help put universities at its centre.
Partner universities
EUNICoast Factsheet [pdf]
Contact persons at the University of Patras:
Professor Dionissios Mantzavinos, Vice-Rector for Strategic Internationalization and Extroversion, Scientific Coordinator (vrec_inter@upatras.gr)
Hermione Nena Karagianni, Local Coordinator (ekar@upatras.gr)
