Supporting changemakers in European higher education
11-13 June 2025 | University of Limerick, Ireland
Join the 8th Edition of the Open Space
Discover EU funding opportunities, share results of former and/or ongoing European projects, and exchange ideas on how to work towards the core institutional priorities. The 8th edition of Open Space will tackle the priorities set by the participants themselves, such as sustainability, inclusion, novel mobility formats, and managing the internationalisation process in a changing world.
This three-day event, organised within the EUF Project Manager and Advisor Community, welcomes representatives from EUF members and beyond. It provides space for a dynamic, creative and collaborative environment to network with higher education professionals, share best practices, and connect with peers working on or aspiring to engage in Erasmus+ projects.
Open Space 2024 – Murcia, Spain
Take the first step to your Erasmus+ project
Meet your European colleagues at the 8th Edition of the EUF Open Space!
Registration deadline 17 April 2025
Programme
May 20th (online)
Introduction to the OS concept, getting to know the participants and facilitators, sharing initial ideas within the OS25 group
May 27th (online)
Online session about Erasmus+ KA2 calls (centralised and decentralised)
- Cooperation Partnerships
- Innovation Alliances
- Capacity Building in Higher Education
- Teacher AcademiesÂ
- Forward Looking Projects
Day 1
Morning Â
- Registration and welcome coffeeÂ
- Introduction to the Open Space and official welcome by the University of LimerickÂ
- Keynote: Policies and trends shaping Higher Education 2030 and the role of Erasmus+ projects in paving the way towards these ambitious goals
- Panel: From ideas to actual impact – pathway to making a change in Higher EducationÂ
AfternoonÂ
- Practical and theoretical insight into the Erasmus+ project cycle
- Introduction to the Erasmus+ Project Results in the SpotlightÂ
- Change-maker sessions (I) on driving change within the institution (several rounds of parallel sessions)Â
- Free timeÂ
- Open Space DinnerÂ
Day 2
Morning
- Introduction to the Day 2
- Policy context of the European Education Area and key ongoing developments
- Designing concrete scenarios for the changer-maker ideas (II) (several rounds of parallel sessions)
Afternoon
- Parallel sessions about project planning and implementation*:
- Theory meets practice – navigating Lump Sum challenges and opportunities in Erasmus+ KA2
- Inclusion and green measures in Erasmus+ KA2 projects
- Quality assurance – designing an adequate quality assurance and control plan for your project
- Leading international project teams – key aspects to succeed and maintain high motivation level throughout the project lifecycle
- Work Plan Management – typical pitfalls and how to implement a successful project management environment
- Change and innovation management in Higher Education within the scope of Erasmus+ KA2 projects
*Final selection of topics will be aligned with the interest of participants
- Key criteria for a successful application – an insight by Erasmus+ project evaluators
- Voting on the change-maker proposals to be presented on the next day
Social activity and Free time
Day 3
Morning
- Introduction to the Day 3
- Presentation of change-maker parallel session outcomes (based on the voting results)
- Achieving excellence with AI in Erasmus+ KA2 project applications: a new paradigm?
- Open Space take-aways: what are the next steps?
Afternoon
Informal networking (optional) and farewell!
University of Limerick
University of Limerick (UL), is located in the Wild Atlantic Gateway city of Limerick on the west coast of Ireland. UL is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution. Creativity, curiosity, and excellence imbue the inclusive community of the university, which is committed to social good.
With over 18000 students, including more than 3,300 internationally mobile students each year, UL is an independent research-led university offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Education and Health Sciences, Science and Engineering and the Kemmy Business School.
With the largest Erasmus+ programme in Ireland, UL is Ireland’s European university with international reach while a survey of Irish students recently voted UL as Ireland’s most popular university with a satisfaction rating of 85%.
As one of Ireland’s foremost universities, UL is recognised for its dedication to an outstanding student experience, commitment to graduate employability and its research with societal impact making fruitful an extensive network of partnerships with industry, government and communities, nationally and internationally.
Limerick – A City on The Move
Limerick, situated in the picturesque Shannon region of Ireland, is a vibrant and historic city known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Boasting a rich cultural heritage, Limerick offers visitors a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. From its medieval landmarks like King John’s Castle to its lively arts scene and bustling cafes, Limerick has something for everyone.
Limerick is safe and global; famed for the friendliness of its people as much as its eclectic food scene, nightlife and dynamic student community. It has often been said that perhaps Limerick’s biggest attraction of all is the people themselves who are warm, witty and welcoming! For information about Limerick visit: www.limerick.ie
Accommodation suggestions
Click each option for detailed information
Kilmurry Lodge
Castletroy
Castletroy Park Hotel
Castletroy
Absolute Hotel
City centre
Travelodge
Castletroy
Hotel Savoy
City centre
On campus accommodation
Price:
€80 pp
Location:
University of Limerick campus
Distance – walking: Approx 10 – 15 minutes
Distance – bus: N/A
Book here: ulevents.eventsair.com/euf-2025-conference/euf2025accom/Site/Register
Castletroy Park Hotel
Price:
Single – €114
Double – €124
Location:
University Gates, Dublin Rd, Limerick
Located adjacent to the entrance to UL.
castletroypark.ie
Distance – walking: Approx 10 minutes
Distance – bus: Approx 15 minutes
How to book:
Call: +353 (61) 335566
E-mail: reservations@castletroypark.ie
Booking Code: 545142
-> Code can only be used over phone call or e-mail
-> Rooms available 9th – 14th June
Travelodge Limerick Castletroy
Price:
Single – 10% Discount to online rate*
Double – 10% Discount to online rate*
*subject to availability
Location:
Park Point, Dublin Rd, Castletroy, Limerick
Located in Castletroy, on Dublin Road.
travelodge.ie
Distance – walking: Approx 15 minutes
Distance – bus: Approx 20 minutes
How to book:
Call: +353 (61) 603 500
E-mail: limerickcastletroy@travelodge.ie
Booking Code: UL Global Office – use in subject
-> Code can be used over phone call or e-mail
-> Code is valid 9th – 14th June
Have to contact by either phone or email – rate is not available online
Kilmurry Lodge Hotel
Price:
Single – 10% Discount to online rate*
Double – 10% Discount to online rate*
*subject to availability
Location:
Castletroy, Limerick, V94 WTC9
Located in Castletroy, close to the East gate and UL Sports Arena.
kilmurrylodge.com
Distance – walking: Approx 15 minutes
Distance – bus: Approx 15 minutes
How to book:
E-mail: info@kilmurrylodge.com
Booking Code: EUF25
-> Code is case sensitive and needs to be inputted in the ‘PROMOCODE’ field on the website homepage. Code is only valid on office website and no third-party website. Unable to hold a block of rooms – code is valid based on availability.
Absolute Hotel
Price:
Single – €155
Double – €186
Location:
Sir Harry’s Mall, St. Francis Abbey, Limerick
Located adjacent to Charlotte’s Quay on the way into the city, overlooking the Abbey River.
absolutehotel.com
Distance – walking: Approx 60 minutes
Distance – bus: Approx 30 minutes
How to book:
Call: +353 (61) 463 600
E-mail: info@absolutehotel.com
-> No booking code required, just call or e-mail your reservation and state that you are an attendee of the conference
-> Rooms available 9th – 14th June
-> Must be booked 30 days prior to arrival
Hotel Savoy
Price: Single – €179
Double – €218
Location:
Henry Street, Limerick City, V94 EY2P
Located in the City Centre close the River Shannon. Next door to the Hamptons Restaurant.Sports Arena.
thesavoycollection.com
Distance – walking: Approx 1 hour and 20 minutes
Distance – bus: Approx 40 minutes
How to book:
Call: +353 (61) 448 700
Email: reservations@savoylimerick.com
Booking Code: GA001292
-> Rooms available 9th – 14th June
-> Code can be used over phone call or e-mail
-> Must be booked 30 days prior to arrival
How to get to Limerick city
Shannon airport
Taxi
Duration ~30 minutes
Price: €45-€55
Convenient option, available 24/7. More info on Welcome Pickups or pre-book taxis online.
Bus
Bus Éireann Line 343 or 51
Duration ~50 minutes
Price: €6.80-€9.50
Buses run regularly to Limerick City Centre.
busairean.ie
Shuttle/Private Transfer
Duration ~30 minutes, price varies.
Pre-booked services like Shuttle Direct or private chauffeurs. ShuttleDirect.com.
Cork airport
Bus: City Link 251
Duration ~2 hours and 20 minutes
Price: ~€21
Direct route to Limerick City.
citylink.ie
Taxi
Duration ~1 hour and 45 minutes
Price: ~€200+
Metered fares; best booked in advance.
Dublin airport
Dublin Airport directly to the University Campus: Dublin Coach
Duration: ~2 hours and 30 minutes.
Price: €15-€20
Change at the Red Cow for Limerick.
dublincoach.ie.
Bus
Flight Link or Route 712X
Duration: ~2 hours and 30 minutes
Price: €15-€20
Frequent direct routes. Flight Link – Zone 12 and City Link – Zone 10.
flightlink.ie and citylink.ie.
Train via Dublin Heuston + Taxi/Bus
Duration: ~3 hours and 30 minutes
Price: ~€35+
Take a bus or taxi to Dublin Heuston, then train to Limerick, not Limerick Junction.
irishrail.ie.
Taxi
Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Price: ~€250+
Metered fare, best for groups or late arrivals.
Shannon airport
| Duration* | Price | ||
| Taxi | 30 min | €45-€55 | Convenient option, available 24/7. More info on Welcome Pickups or pre-book taxis online. |
| Bus Éireann Line 343 or 51 |
50 min | €6.80-€9.50 | Buses run regularly to Limerick City Centre. More info and booking |
| Shuttle/Private Transfer | 30 min | Price varies | Pre-booked services like Shuttle Direct or private chauffeurs. Book with Shuttle Direct |
*Travel times are estimates and may vary.
Cork airport
| Duration* | Price | ||
| Bus City Link 251 |
2:20 | ~€21 | Direct route to Limerick City. More details on City Link. |
| Taxi | 1:45 | ~€200+ | Metered fares; best booked in advance. |
*Travel times are estimates and may vary.
Dublin airport
| Duration* | Price | ||
| Bus Dublin Coach |
2:30 | €15-€20 | Dublin Airport directly to the University Campus. Dublin Coach info. Change at the Red Cow for Limerick. |
| Bus Flight Link or Route 712X |
2:30 | €15-€20 | Frequent direct routes. Flight Link – Zone 12, and City Link – Zone 10. |
| Train via Dublin Heuston + Taxi/Bus | 3:30 | ~€35+ | Take a bus or taxi to Dublin Heuston, then train to Limerick, not Limerick Junction. More info at Irish Rail. |
| Taxi | 2:30 | ~€250+ | Metered fare, best for groups or late arrivals. |
*Travel times are estimates and may vary.
Registration
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility
Higher Education staff can use Erasmus+ staff mobility funding to participate in the EUF Open Space 2025. Please contact the responsible person in your institution to find out more about your eligibility. We are able to provide you with an invitation letter if required. Please, send your agreements to a dedicated email staff.mobility@ul.ie.
The Organiser
The European University Foundation (EUF) is a network of universities established in 30+ countries. It stands for diversity and social fairness in Higher Education and aims to accelerate the modernisation of the European Higher Education Area. The network deploys intensive cooperation and policy experimentation under five key pillars:
- Digital Higher Education both for governance and provision of education
- Entrepreneurship and employability skills of graduates
- Policy innovation at national and European level
- Active citizenship of students and
- Quality mobility for all
Participation fee
- EUF network university – 360 EUR
- Other institution – 460 EUR
- Speaker/Contributor – 290 EUR
Registration deadline: April 17, 2025
IncludedÂ
- All training sessions
- 3 lunches
- Coffee breaks
- Open Space Dinner
- Social activity
Testimonials
Based on anonymous survey
%
Participants recommend this event
%
Participants built useful contacts
%
Participants would like to attend similar events organised by the EUF
The practical exercise in setting up a project which Open Space offers is very interesting, as it tests our ability to work in a group of varying numbers of people from different cultures and to grasp the important stages in setting up a project in a short space of time.
This was the first time I have attended an Open Space event, but after the 1st day I was sure that it has to be a “must” in the office activities’ annual calendar, side by side to EAIE Conference or other similar events. It has been a truly enriching experience!
Interesting and on-topic program.
Open Space is great for meeting the people and learning best practices both from other institutions and from EUF.
The organisation of this event was really good and very useful in many respects.
Open Space allows for meeting colleagues in an open, spontaneous, welcoming environment.
Networking was actively encouraged and easy to join.
I enjoyed the sessions very much.
