The SOCIN Conference of ERUA “Rethinking Innovation: Inclusive Practices and Interdisciplinary Perspectives” is taking place at the University of Macerata, from 23th September to 25th Septmber 2025. Three days bringing together more than 250 participants from 22 different countries.
Throughout the week, panels and keynote talks are examining how universities can adapt to rapid social, cultural, and technological change. Scholars, researchers, and students are gathering to exchange ideas, broaden perspectives, and reimagine the role of universities in the twenty-first century.
In her opening address, Bruna Vives Prat, Secretary General of ERUA, welcomed participants and reflected on the central themes of the conference:
“Curiosity is something that we truly believe can bring a great deal of innovation. The theme of our conference reminds us of the enduring value of the social sciences and humanities. As Nuccio Ordine so powerfully expressed in The Usefulness of the Useless, humanistic disciplines are not luxuries, but foundations for sustaining democratic values and shaping a more equitable society… In today’s European context, where global competitiveness dominates much of the discourse and negotiations about the future funding of programs, it is more important than ever to affirm the role of humanistic knowledge and critical thinking. ERUA’s mission is to show that innovation must also mean critical reflection, inclusivity, and responsibility, and we are proud to demonstrate that here.”
Echoing this perspective, Rector John McCourt reaffirmed UniMC’s strong commitment to ERUA:
“For us at UniMC, ERUA is more than a project – it is a commitment. A commitment to strengthening the role of universities in a time of rapid social, cultural, and technological transformation. ERUA matters deeply to us: it allows us to pool our strengths, to learn from one another, and to make our voices heard in the broader European Higher Education Area. Together, we are not only educating the next generation of students, but seeking to shape the very idea of what university should be in the twenty-first century.”
Among the conference organizers, Professor Silvana Colella emphasized the importance of research clusters as a way to enrich the Alliance and foster social innovation, underlining their role in connecting research and education across institutions.
The academic program also features two distinguished keynote speakers. Ana Cristina Santos (University of Coimbra) delivered a lecture titled “Older, queer and proud: rethinking ageing through an interdisciplinary perspective”, offering an innovative look at ageing through the lenses of inclusivity and diversity. Ineke Sluiter (Leiden University) contributed with a thought-provoking talk titled “Their future isn’t our past: the ancient world, humanities, and innovation thinking”, reflecting on how classical studies and the humanities can inspire new approaches to innovation.
The week will conclude with the meeting of the ERUA Steering Committee, where the Alliance will discuss its future directions and strengthen its collective strategy.
The SOCIN Conference at UniMC has proven to be more than an academic event: it is a living demonstration of ERUA’s spirit — a commitment to collaboration, critical reflection, and the shaping of higher education for the future.
Detailed programme: www.socin2025.it
