From 24 to 26 April 2025, representatives of Paderborn University visited Bitola, North Macedonia, to participate in the celebrations marking UKLO Days 2025 at the "St. Kliment Ohridski" University – Bitola (UKLO). The delegation included the newly elected COLOURS Alliance President, Professor Dr. Heike Trautmann, the Managing Director of the COLOURS Alliance, Dr. Annette Klinkert and COLOURS Quality Officer, Dr. Chris Schattka.
The visit formed part of the ongoing collaboration within the COLOURS European University Alliance, of which Paderborn University and UKLO are founding members. The Alliance, funded by the European Commission, fosters educational innovation, scientific collaboration, and community engagement among nine universities across Europe.
UKLO, the second oldest public university in North Macedonia, plays a pivotal role in COLOURS, with a team of over 130 academic and administrative staff and more than 60 students actively involved. Notably, UKLO contributed significantly to introducing the Triple Transition concept — addressing social, green, and digital transformations in the Alliance's research and educational strategies.
During the celebrations, the delegation experienced a rich and inspiring programme under the theme "Roots and Wings", symbolising the synthesis between tradition and innovation.
Key highlights included:
- A ceremonial event at the historic Officer’s House in Bitola, featuring panel discussions on the future of education and the Alliance, with participation from the Rector of UKLO, Professor Dr. Igor Nedelkovski, and the Mayor of Bitola.
- A showcase of artistic, literary, and multimedia works by high school students addressing the challenges of brain drain and regional development in Europe.
- Insightful engagement with UKLO students, who demonstrated leadership through their own communication platform, a cross-alliance student magazine, the national COLOURS Juniors initiative, and the successful hosting of a student conference in December 2024.
Another significant moment was the joint historic session with the Macedonian Scientific Society – Bitola, celebrating 65 years of scientific contribution to the national academic identity. As an associated partner in COLOURS, the society strengthens the link between research, education, and regional innovation.
UKLO's broader engagement is further enriched through collaborations with local and national partners, including the Municipality of Bitola, the Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid, and private sector participants such as Nova Solutions. Together, they contribute to research, education, and innovation within the COLOURS framework, aiming for a profound regional and European impact.
Professor Dr. Heike Trautmann commented: "This visit demonstrated the true spirit of European university alliances: building bridges, exchanging visions, and fostering a vibrant academic community across borders. We were deeply impressed by the commitment, creativity, and warmth shown by our colleagues and students at UKLO and throughout Bitola."
Dr. Annette Klinkert emphasized: "COLOURS thrives through partnerships like the one with UKLO. The visit to Bitola confirmed the incredible potential when academic institutions, students, local governments, and research networks work hand in hand."
Dr. Chris Schattka added: "The collaboration with UKLO and its partners shows the tangible impact of COLOURS — not only on academic quality but also on societal development. We look forward to further intensifying our cooperation in the years ahead."
The visit to Bitola reaffirms the shared commitment of all COLOURS partners to shaping a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient European Higher Education Area. Paderborn University extends its gratitude to UKLO and all local partners for their outstanding hospitality, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the COLOURS mission.
