MCAST senior management, academics and students participated at the EU4Dual Annual Conference 2025, held on 2 and 3 April. The first day was held at the Galarreta campus of Mondragon Unibertsitatea in San Sebastian, and the second day in the northern worn in Bidart, where the ESTIA Institute of Technology is located.

These institutions together with MCAST and six other institutions form part of the EU4Dual University alliance. With the theme “Greener Visions, Brighter Futures”, the event explored how dual higher education can drive sustainability and innovation. This congress brought together more than 300 people from 21 countries from Europe and other continents, including research staff, students and faculty, and 51 papers related to the green economy, the future of work and dual higher education were presented.

A 30-member delegation of MCAST researchers, academics, students, and senior staff engaged in key sessions and strategic discussions. Principal and CEO Stephen Vella contributed to the Industry Forum in his role on the Governing Board and Rectors’ Council. MCAST researchers presented papers and posters across multiple themes.

MCAST was also represented in governance and strategy roles, with Deputy Principal Ronald Curmi contributing to the Academic Council, and former Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo serving on the EU4Dual Advisory Board.

MCAST students also stood out with their participation. Institute of Business Management and Commerce (IBMC) students Mattea Spiteri and Ruzin Hanan won first place in an entrepreneurial challenge, competing against 25 teams. Chanel Azzopardi and Brooke Aquilina from the same institute received an award for the Best Sustainable Idea. Students were accompanied by lecturers Elaine Zarb Giorgio and Theresa Demanuele Montebello, who supported them throughout.

The EU4Dual alliance brings together nine higher education institutions from across Europe, united by a common mission: to redefine how students learn and prepare for the world of work. At the heart of EU4Dual is the dual education model, blending academic study with real-world experience. Students split their time between the classroom and the workplace, gaining practical skills and industry insight alongside their formal education.