University of Genoa hosts the second in-person seminar of “LinguaFutures”

The University of Genoa hosted from 16 to 18 February the second in-person seminar of LinguaFutures, joint R&I Research Group supported by the Ulysseus Seed Funding initiative.

The group is composed of Laura Santini and Sandra Vlasta, University of Genoa, together with two representatives from Haaga‑Helia, Kirsi Korkealehto and Maarit Ohinen‑Salvén, two from Université Côte d’Azur, Christine Schmider and Vladislava Sergienko Soler, and Sabina Osmanovic from the University of Montenegro.

The Genoese initiative follows a series of online meetings and three in‑person seminar days in Helsinki (from 23 to 26 November 2025).

The group is active along three main research paths, focusing on language learning and teaching, student engagement and the use of AI, linguistic and cultural interaction and inclusiveness, as well as dynamics and issues related to internationalisation and forms of plurilingualism and multilingualism.

The opportunity to meet in person, allows also to expand the network and collaboration among colleagues from partner universities on shared topics.

During these days at UniGe (at UniGe World, DIEC Department of Economics – UTLC Teaching and Learning Center and the Department of Modern Languages), Micaela Rossi, UniGe Dean of the School of Humanities, Enrico Di Bella, Ulysseus WP9 “Dissemination & Impact”, UniGe Deputy Director of the Department of Political and International Sciences, Fabrizio Bracco, Ulysseus WP3 “Human Capital development for the future” – Steering Group of Pedagogical Development, UniGe Rector’s Delegate for teaching innovation and faculty development, and Angela Celeste Taramasso, Ulysseus WP6 “EDI and CE”, UniGe Rector’s Delegate for equal opportunities and inclusion, have been also involved.

As part of the programme, Rita Cersosimo and Valentina Pennazio were invited to present their research on teaching and the use of digital tools and robots, with a view to accessibility and student engagement.

The voices of young researchers were represented by Chiara Storace and Salvatore Varriale, PhD students in Digital Humanities at UniGe, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.

There were also convivial moments and opportunities to discover the city of Genoa and its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the group’s next steps, are the organisation of further meetings and seminars, in preparation for two European project calls next spring.

About Ulysseus

Ulysseus is one of the 73 European Universities alliances selected by the European Commission under its flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. These alliances, co-funded by the European Commission, bring together almost 650 higher education institutions of all types from across Europe. Led by the University of Seville, the Ulysseus European University Alliance encompasses seven other partner universities: the Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Münster (Germany), and the University of Montenegro (Montenegro).