UNIRSM Design Autumn Workshops 2026 Open for Applications

Students with an interest in design, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration are invited to apply for the UNIRSM Design Autumn Workshops 2026, hosted by the University of the Republic of San Marino (UNIRSM) from 7-12 September 2026. Participation is free of charge, and the program is open to students from partner universities worldwide. [[A5-eng-ws-2026 | PDF]

The annual Autumn Workshops have been organized by UNIRSM Design for more than twenty years and provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between students, academics, and internationally recognized designers. This year's theme,"Wandering Traces", explores the relationship between design, heritage, local communities, and the environment across the territory of San Marino and the neighboring Romagna region.

Participants may apply for one of seven intensive workshops covering a variety of disciplines, including:

• Communication Design

• Illustration

• Editorial Design

• Performance and Relational Art

• Interaction Design

• Product Design

• Bio-Digital Design and Sustainability

The workshops bring together leading designers, artists, and researchers, offering students an opportunity to experiment with new methods, perspectives, and creative approaches beyond their regular studies.

A total of 35 places are reserved for students from international universities. Upon successful completion, participants may receive a certificate confirming attendance and the potential award of 2 ECTS credits, subject to recognition by their home institution.

Participation in the workshops is free of charge; however, students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Applications from students at international partner universities must be submitted online and include a portfolio demonstrating previous work. The application deadline is 23 August 2026, and results will be announced by 26 August 2026.

The Autumn Workshops reflect UNIRSM Design's commitment to international cooperation and design education, creating an environment where students can engage with contemporary challenges through creative practice and collaboration.

For more information and application details, interested students should contact the International Office at their home institution or UNIRSM Design directly. www.unirsm.sm 

Source: from Maria Eleonora Vaglio, University of the Republic of San Marino.

NUSCT appoints third president at Rectors’ Annual Meeting

Rector Matias Waller- Åland University of Applied Sciences

At the 8th Rectors’ Annual Meeting of the Network of Universities of Small Countries and Territories (NUSCT), hosted by the University of Montenegro in Podgorica, Montenegro, on 8th of May 2026, members unanimously elected Matias Waller, rector of the Åland University of Applied Sciences, as the third president of NUSCT for a statutory three-year term.

Rector Matias Waller takes over from the outgoing president, Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir, rector of the University of Akureyri, who served as the second president of the network following the May 2023 election.

During the presidency of the University of Akureyri, both rector Eyjólfur Guðmundsson and rector Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir oversaw the continued development of the network, strengthening collaboration among member institutions and advancing NUSCT’s mission to promote cooperation between universities in small states and territories.

With the appointment of the new president, the NUSCT Secretariat will transfer from the University of Akureyri to Åland University of Applied Sciences. The Secretariat will be managed by Carina Söderlund, who will coordinate the network’s activities and support its strategic objectives.

The transition marks a new chapter in the development of the NUSCT network, as it continues to expand its global engagement and reinforce partnerships among its members.

New Rector Appointed at the University of Malta

The Network of Universities of Small Countries and Territories (NUSCT) extends its congratulations to one of its member institutions, the University of Malta, on the appointment of its new Rector.

At an extraordinary meeting of the University Council held on 26 March 2026, Professor Frank Bezzina was unanimously elected as the 82nd Rector of the University of Malta. [um.edu.mt]

Professor Bezzina will officially assume office on 1 July 2026, succeeding Professor Alfred J. Vella, who has served in the role since 2016. [um.edu.mt]

In his address to the Council, Professor Bezzina outlined a vision for the University as a strategic national institution that actively contributes to shaping Malta’s future. His priorities include strengthening research and teaching quality, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration with communities, industry, and public and private stakeholders. [um.edu.mt]

The Network looks forward to continued cooperation with the University of Malta under Professor Bezzina’s leadership and to further advancing collaboration among universities in small countries and territories.