In July 2026, EUNICoast will take part in the Living Knowledge 11 (LK11) conference, held at the University of Gdańsk, Poland, from 8 to 10 July. The event brings together researchers, practitioners, and community actors working at the interface of academic research and civil society.
Now in its eleventh edition, the Living Knowledge conference is dedicated to participatory research and citizen science: approaches that involve communities directly in the research process, rather than treating them as subjects of study. This year's theme, "Research and Solidarity", explores how knowledge production can contribute to social cohesion and civic engagement. These questions are central to EUNICoast's own mission of building meaningful connections between its coastal and island universities and the communities they serve.
The University of Sassari (UNISS), one of EUNICoast's thirteen partner universities, is coordinating the alliance's participation. UNISS is funding six places at the conference for doctoral students and staff from within the alliance. The EUNICoast team will also contribute to the scientific programme: a poster presentation will share the alliance's experience of community engagement in maritime and coastal contexts, and UNISS representatives will join a roundtable with other European University Alliances on the role these partnerships can play in strengthening solidarity in research.
The day before the main conference, on 7 July, a Science Shop Summer School will offer a practical introduction to community-based research, exploring how universities and civil society organisations can collaborate to address real social challenges.
Full programme details and registration are available on the LK11 conference website. Registration closes on 15 June 2026.
Key facts
- Event: Living Knowledge 11 - "Research and Solidarity"
- Dates: 8–10 July 2026 (pre-conference: 7 July 2026)
- Location: University of Gdańsk, Poland
- EUNICoast lead: University of Sassari (UNISS)
- EUNICoast contributions: poster presentation + roundtable with European University Alliances
