Circle U.

💼 Sustainable Business, Finance & Circular Economy

How is the European Union working to integrate sustainability into the core of the economy? 🇪🇺🌱

Applications are now open for this Bachelor-level course hosted by the University of Oslo! Designed for students eager to understand the intersection of law, policy, and environmental action, this programme offers a deep dive into the multilevel frameworks regulating international and domestic markets.

💡 What You Will Explore:
🏢 Sustainable Business: Analyse the overarching objectives of EU Treaties and case law regarding corporate responsibility.
💶 Sustainable Finance: Examine the financial frameworks driving green investments across Europe.
🔄 The Circular Economy: Study the regulations and policy shifts aimed at reducing waste and fostering resource efficiency.

Key Details:
📅 When: 22 September – 23 November 2026
📍 Where: Fully Online for Circle U. students (via live Zoom lectures from Oslo 🇳🇴)
📜 Credits: 10 ECTS
🎓 Level: Bachelor students currently enrolled at a Circle U. partner university
⏳ Application Deadline: 1 July 2026

✨ Unique Opportunity:
All participants will write a short, blog-style essay on a course topic. Exceptional essays will be selected for professional guidance to be published on the official Blogging for Sustainability platform! 📝✍️

More info and registration 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/open-campus/sustainable-business-finance-circular-economy-0

🌍 Circle U. Summer School on Democracy and Development returns to Belgrade!

From June 1st to 5th, the University of Belgrade hosted 40 Master’s students from across our alliance for an urgent exploration of "Democracy and Development in a Fragmenting World: Geopolitics, Power Shifts, and the Fate of the Liberal Order."

Students from Germany, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Austria, the UK, and Serbia came together to move beyond standard textbooks. Guided by experts from across Europe, they tackled the deep geopolitical forces, trade shifts, and democratic challenges reshaping our international order.

A major highlight was the "Matrix Serious Game" simulation, immersing students in strategic, real-world policy analysis, alongside interdisciplinary group work and cultural visits around Belgrade.

This program is a proud example of how our Circle U. Knowledge Hub on Democracy co-creates genuinely European educational experiences. Thank you to all the brilliant students and lecturers who made this week such a success! 👏

📖 Want to see what our students got up to? Read the full recap article on our website 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/news/circle-u-summer-school-democracy-and-development-returns-belgrade

📬 Stay in the loop: Missed out on this year's summer schools? Subscribe to our newsletter to keep informed of upcoming opportunities! 👉 https://bit.ly/newsletter-circle-u

🧪 Two Degrees, Two Countries: Apply for the Double Degree Master’s in Chemistry!

Are you a Bachelor's student in Chemistry looking to expand your international horizons and multiply your career opportunities? 🌍🎓

Applications are now open for this elite Double Degree Master’s Programme in Chemistry, allowing you to split your studies between two world-class institutions: Université Paris Cité 🇫🇷 and the University of Pisa 🇮🇹!

No matter which track you choose, you will spend your first year in Pisa and your second year in Paris, gaining an unshakeable foundation in organic, molecular, biomolecular, and medicinal chemistry. The two tracks simply offer slight variations in the program structure; for instance, choosing the Paris application track includes an internship during your first year or choosing the Pisa application track includes more electives during your first year!

💡 Why Choose this Double Degree?
🧪 Advanced Hands-On Research: Gain extensive laboratory practice and secure internships in leading research institutions and private companies.
🧠 Future-Ready Skills: Develop independent research capacity alongside crucial transferable skills like project management and teamwork.
💼 Diverse Career Pathways: Prepare for high-impact roles as an R&D research executive, step straight into a PhD programme, or pivot into science management and entrepreneurship.

📅 Key Details:
📍 Where: Year 1 at University of Pisa (Italy) | Year 2 at Université Paris Cité (France)
🗣️ Language: First year in Italian and second year in English
📜 Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (or equivalent), B2 English, and B2 Italian.
⏳ Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

📝 How to Apply:
Review the programme differences to see which track fits you best, and have your transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates ready!

🇫🇷 First Track (Apply via Université Paris Cité): Register through the 'MonMaster' platform
🇮🇹 Second Track (Apply via University of Pisa): Apply directly via email to the University of Pisa.

More info and application 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/double-degree-masters-programme-chemistry

On 27, 28 and 29 May, UCLouvain hosted the Sandpits and welcomed 17 researchers from Circle U. universities and from a broad range of disciplines.

During the workshop, the researchers developed interdisciplinary research projects and strengthened their skills in research management, interdisciplinary research and project pitching. Four interdisciplinary research projects were developed, and strong links were forged.

A big thank you to Martin Nera and Oxana Rogozina, the facilitators at Mind&Market, for their professionalism and creativity!

🗣️ "Sandpits 2026 at UCLouvain was much more than sharing ideas and pitching research projects! It was about building interdisciplinary collaboration, expanding networks, and creating memories! It was also about good mood, cosy vibes, friendship, and lovely surroundings.
Over three inspiring days, researchers from across the Circle U. came together to co-create innovative project ideas around sustainability and climate change, while exchanging academic perspectives across disciplines." - Rashmi Upadhyay (Postdoc Researcher, Aarhus University)

See you on 30 June for the second session, during which the researchers will pitch their research projects!

🏆 Circle U. Academic Chair Marius Mjaaland Wins the University of Oslo’s Education Award!

We are thrilled to share that Professor Marius Timmann Mjaaland, Academic Chair at the University of Oslo, has been honoured with this year’s prestigious UiO Education Award! 🎓

Professor Mjaaland is being recognised for his outstanding work on educational quality and his innovative, interdisciplinary teaching addressing the climate and nature crisis. 🌍🌱

The prize committee specifically highlighted his brilliant Circle U. course, "The Anthropocene: Ecology and Democracy Across the Disciplines." This programme brought students from across our entire alliance together in Oslo for an intensive week of cross-border collaboration, excursions, and deep academic immersion.

Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Anders Runesson, praised the course as a shining example of successful internationalisation and interdisciplinary collaboration, key pillars of the Circle U. vision. 🤝🏛️

Please join us in sending our huge congratulations to Marius for this well-deserved recognition! He will be officially presented with the award during UiO’s annual celebration on 2 September.

Read the full story here 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/news/academic-chair-marius-mjaaland-receives-university-oslos-education-award

🗣️ Discourse and the Dynamics of Democracy: How Language Shapes Our World

How do language, media, and digital communication negotiate power, construct identities, and influence public participation? 🌍📱

In an era of rapid digital evolution and shifting political landscapes, understanding the words behind the politics is more critical than ever. Designed specifically for Master's students across the Circle U. alliance, this online course hosted by the University of Oslo provides the analytical tools to scrutinise how language can defend or constrain democratic ideals.

What You Will Gain:
🔍 Analytical Power: Master major approaches to discourse analysis, focusing on political, media, and social media text.
🎨 Multimodal Skills: Learn to analyse verbal, visual, and multimodal resources in contemporary communication.
🧠 Critical Reflection: Examine discursive strategies like positioning, boundary construction ("us" vs. "them"), and identity building in digital spaces.

Key Details:
📅 When: 20 October – 26 November 2026 (6 online sessions + a concluding debate)
📍 Where: Online
📜 Credits: 5 ECTS
🎓 Level: Master’s students currently enrolled at a Circle U. partner university.
⏳ Deadline: Apply by 21 August 2026!

More info and registration 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/open-campus/discourse-analysis-discourse-and-dynamics-democracy

🏛️ Academic Freedom: Why It Matters for Democracy, Science, and Society

As scepticism toward scientific expertise and threats to individual liberties are growing, protecting critical inquiry is more crucial than ever. 🌍✍️

Hosted by Université Paris Cité, this hybrid course brings together leading European geographers, historians, political scientists, and sociologists to explore the foundational pillars of academic freedom.

Through weekly expert lectures, collaborative group readings, and interactive discussions, you will dive into contemporary debates ranging from Cold War legacies and student protests to science diplomacy and corporate power.

What You Will Gain:
🧠 Deep Understanding: Explain and critically analyse the drivers behind threats to academic freedom.
🌍 Civic Impact: Gain the tools to act as engaged citizens protecting democracy, justice, and global health.
🤝 Global Collaboration: Work in intercultural, interdisciplinary teams on issues that directly impact you as a student and a citizen.

Key Details:
📅 When: 19 October – 8 December 2026 (Mondays & Tuesdays, 16:15–17:45 CEST)
📍 Where: Université Paris Cité 🇫🇷 (Hybrid format)
🎓 Level: Bachelor, Master, and PhD
📜 Credits: 3 ECTS
⏳ Deadline: Apply by 15 September 2026!

📝 How to Apply:
Ready to join the conversation? Submit your CV and a cover letter to secure your spot.

More info and registration 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/open-campus/lecture-series-academic-freedom

🗞️ Fresh from the press! The latest Circle U. Gazette - May 2026 highlights a wide range of opportunities across our alliance:

🌊 New Courses: Apply for "Deep Blue: Learning with the Ocean" or "From Impact to Action" for sustainable lab practices.
🎓 Funding for Academics: Support your virtual teaching collaborations with up to 5,000 euros via the COIL call.
🤝 Academic Matchmaking: Apply by early July for joint course co-creation events in Louvain-la-Neuve and Paris.
💡 Alliance Insights: Catch up on the General Assembly in Belgrade and check out the three new ED&I flagship projects.
🎓 Student Traditions: Read our student ambassador's feature on the historic "Feluca" hat of Pisa students.

It also features updates on sustainable water management, doctoral school events, and upcoming staff training opportunities!

📩 Stay informed and connected: subscribe to the Circle U. newsletter to receive upcoming opportunities directly in your inbox.

📩 Subscribe here 👉 https://bit.ly/newsletter-circle-u

📍Rectors from the nine partner universities of Circle U. gathered this week at the University of Belgrade for the Circle U. General Assembly and Management Board meetings to discuss the alliance’s next strategic phase, the expansion of the Open Campus ecosystem, and the long-term impact of the Circle U. seed-funding scheme.

Alongside the meetings, the University of Belgrade hosted an important public discussion on academic freedom, democracy, and European solidarity, reaffirming the vital role universities play in fostering open dialogue and civic engagement across Europe.

Thank you to the University of Belgrade for hosting this important gathering.

Read the full article 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/news/circle-u-leaders-gathered-belgrade-shape-alliances-next-phase

🌍 It is the fourth and final week of European Diversity Month, and we are closing it out by highlighting how bottom-up innovation is driving real change across our alliance!

📝 One of the ways we support diversity is through our ED&I Call for Flagship Initiatives, a funding scheme supporting projects led by students, academics, and staff to build more inclusive, accessible, and equitable universities.

💶 This year, three fantastic projects have been selected for funding, each addressing critical challenges across higher education:

🌱 Embedding ED&I into Doctoral Education (EDI-DOC-ESS)
Led by the Universität Wien, this project addresses gender imbalance and underrepresentation in Earth and Space Sciences by developing the first credit-bearing ED&I doctoral course, creating a model to improve supervision and academic culture across the alliance.

🤝 Building Belonging in Doctoral Communities (IN-ROOTS)
Led by the Università di Pisa, this initiative focuses on the well-being of international and visiting PhD candidates. Through a dedicated workshop and a new virtual platform, it aims to combat isolation and build stronger peer-support networks.

🚀 Supporting Women Founders Across the Alliance (WFN)
Led by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, this student-led network is breaking down barriers in traditional, male-dominated start-up ecosystems by connecting underrepresented students with mentors, alumni, and investors to boost women-led innovation.

Read the full article to learn more about these three flagship projects 👉 https://www.circle-u.eu/news/edi-call-three-new-projects-driving-inclusion-across-circle-u