The 7th NUSCT Annual Rectors’ Meeting Held at the University of the Faroe Islands

Rectors and representatives from 9 member institutions out of 12 members of the Network of Universities of Small Countries and Territories (NUSCT) convened on 4th of June 2025 at the University of the Faroe Islands in Tórshavn for the 7th Annual Rectors’ Meeting. The gathering followed the NUSCT academic conference titled “The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies”, held on 2–3 June.

Rectors and representatives from NUSCT members that attended the annual meeting in the Faroe Islands

A special highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, former President of Iceland and professor of history. His talk, titled “Universities in Small Scale Societies: The Last Bastions of Nationalism in Academic Circles?”

The NUSCT annual meeting was opened by Rector Martin Zachariasen of the University of the Faroe Islands, who welcomed participants and shared insights into the university’s development, including plans for a new campus and efforts to expand study programs. NUSCT President Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir from the University of Akureyri also addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among small universities.

Key discussions and decisions included:

• Future of NUSCT: Members reflected on the network’s unique composition and shared challenges, such as limited research funding, faculty recruitment, and the integration of innovation and AI in education. Proposals were made to increase joint activities, such as another joint conference, including PhD supervision partnerships and workshops.

• AI Policy Development: A draft policy on Generative Artificial Intelligence, led by the University of Liechtenstein, was reviewed and supported by all members. Members highlighted the importance of data protection, academic integrity, and faculty support in adapting to AI technologies.

• Academic Autonomy: The Magna Charta Universitatum was discussed, with several members reaffirming their commitment to academic freedom and institutional independence. Support was offered to members interested in signing the charter.

• European University Alliances: Experiences with EU alliances were shared, with discussions on the challenges of participation due to varying Erasmus+ membership statuses. Members emphasized the need for strategic alignment and sustainable funding.

• USMARADIO Initiative: The University of San Marino introduced USMARADIO, an online radio platform for cultural exchange and academic outreach.Members were encouraged to contribute content and explore collaborative opportunities, including a potential BIP course in relations to the use of radio.

• Governance and Planning: A proposal for an advisory board of former rectors was discussed but postponed. The presidency election was also deferred, with no candidates coming forward during the meeting.
  

The meeting concluded with confirmation that the 8th NUSCT Rectors’ Annual Meeting will be hosted by the University of Montenegro, tentatively scheduled for 7–8 May 2026.

Registration is open for the first NUSCT conference held in the Faroe Islands in june 2025: "The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies"

NUSCT History Conference " The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies"

The University of the Faroe Islands has opened up for registration for the first NUSCT Historical Conference held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 2-3 June 2025. Registration deadline to secure pre-booked accommodation is 5th of March 2025! Registration and further information: NUSCT - 62N

The universities in the NUSCT co-operation are all part of small-scale societies, and the theme of the conference is which role universities have in such societies.

Universities in small scale societies have a different role to play in their communities, whether it is local or national, compared to universities in large countries. Many universities in these societies are established with a certain purpose, e.g. to stop out-migration or to preserve local culture and language. Universities can also play a vital role in modernising local communities, and in this effort, universities often have a close connection to political institutions. These purposes can give universities in small scale societies certain challenges. A consequence can be, that there is more focus on education and applied science than in universities in larger societies.

In line with this theme, we welcome presentations on the following topics:

• The role of the university in democracy and political institutions

• The prioritisation of research fields in small scale societies – e.g. society, culture, language, health, basic research or applied research

• Demographic challenges – societal role of universities in terms of migration and gender

• Universities as identity bearers – local, national, and regional

• Transformation of societies – and the universities role in it

DEADLINE:

Conference: Registration will be open until sold out. 

Other Services: Attendees are urged to register and book accommodation by Friday, March 5th, 12:00 a.m., as hotel rooms are selling out. After the deadline, rooms will be subject to availability.

The program, registration and furher information can be found here: NUSCT - 62N

Contact details: NUSCT - 62N

Erling Isholm- ErlingI@setur.fo

Faculty for History and Social SciencesUniversity of the Faroe IslandsJónas Broncksgøta 25, FO-100 Tórshavn

Faroe Islands

https://www.setur.fo

Practical Organizer for the conference is: 62°N +298 34 00 00 / mice@62n.fo

First NUSCT conference held in the Faroe Islands in june 2025: "The Role of Universities in Small Scale Societies"

The University of the Faroe Islands would like to welcome abstracts for papers for the NUSCT Historical Conference which will be held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 2-3 June 2025.

The universities in the NUSCT co-operation are all part of small-scale societies, and the theme of the conference is which role universities have in such societies.

Universities in small scale societies have a different role to play in their communities, whether it is local or national, compared to universities in large countries. Many universities in these societies are established with a certain purpose, e.g. to stop out-migration or to preserve local culture and language. Universities can also play a vital role in modernising local communities, and in this effort, universities often have a close connection to political institutions. These purposes can give universities in small scale societies certain challenges. A consequence can be, that there is more focus on education and applied science than in universities in larger societies.

In line with this theme, we welcome presentations on the following topics:

1. The prioritisation of research fields in small scale societies – e.g. society, culture, language, health, basic research or applied research

2. Demographic challenges – societal role of universities in terms of migration and gender

3. Universities as identity bearers – local, national, and regional

4. Transformation of societies – and the universities role in it

5. The role of the university in democracy and political institutions

We welcome abstracts for papers of max. 300 words, and a short biography of no more than 100 words, with your name and current affiliation. Deadline has been extended to February 1st 2025. All proposals should be emailed to erlingi@setur.fo

Contact details:

Erling Isholm

Faculty for History and Social SciencesUniversity of the Faroe IslandsJónas Broncksgøta 25, FO-100 Tórshavn

Faroe Islands

https://www.setur.fo