UNED hosts IAU study visit under the OpenEU alliance
Four international site visits are planned this year to strengthen peer learning and institutional capacity building
UNED has hosted an institutional study visit organized by theInternational Association of Universities (IAU) within the framework of the OpenEU initiative. The visit aimed to present UNED’s digital and distance higher education model, including its technological infrastructure, academic resources, and strategies for inclusion and internationalization.
Over two days, representatives from IAU member universities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East participated in a program designed to showcase UNED’s educational system and facilitate dialogue on the key challenges facing higher education today, with particular emphasis on enhancing distance and online learning.
The first day focused on UNED’s digital and on-campus resources for teaching and research, as well as its technological infrastructure supporting online and hybrid learning. Discussions also highlighted innovative practices in content production and digital delivery. The second day addressed student support systems, lifelong learning, the university’s internationalization strategy, and its strong commitment to open educational resources and open science. The visit included a tour of UNED’s Central Library and concluded with a joint evaluation session and shared reflections.
Trine Jensen, Head of the IAU strategic priority on Higher Education & Digital Transformation, emphasized that digital transformation is a structural and long-term process for universities worldwide. She underscored the value of initiatives such as OpenEU in providing international insight, comparative analysis, and a global perspective to strengthen online education models. Jensen described study visits as essential peer-learning spaces that contribute to the quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement of digital higher education.
UNED’s Rector, Ricardo Mairal, highlighted the strategic role of universities in contemporary society, stating that “universities are essential to promoting critical thinking, ethics, integrity, and innovation.” His remarks reflect UNED’s commitment to higher education that serves the common good while maintaining a strong international outlook.
Designed to foster meaningful knowledge exchange and institutional development, the OpenEU Study Visits go beyond collaboration among OpenEU partners. They contribute to broader capacity-building efforts by enabling participating institutions to explore innovative practices, strengthen networks, and transfer knowledge to their own contexts. This inaugural visit marks the first of four site visits planned for this year through OpenEU partners. Each visit will highlight the host institution’s distinctive strengths and support the shared objective of enhancing higher education systems across Europe and beyond.
About IAU
The International Association of Universities (IAU) is the leading global association of higher education institutions and organizations worldwide. Founded in 1950, IAU brings together members from more than 130 countries to reflect and act on common priorities. An independent, non-governmental organization, IAU serves as the global voice of higher education to UNESCO and other international bodies, providing a forum for university leaders and associations to exchange perspectives, share practices, and shape future directions.
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