4EU+ / UNICA webinar: Enhancing University-Employer Collaboration to Equip Students with Next Generation Skills

As Global Head of SAP University Alliances, Katharina is responsible for collaborations between SAP and academic institutions. After obtaining a double-degree in aerospace and industrial engineering at RWTH Aachen University, she obtained her PhD in aeronautics, focusing on conceptual aircraft design for sustainability. In addition to her work at SAP, she serves as a senate member of the German Society for Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Hervé Marc is the Project Manager for Intrapreneurship and Europe at Sorbonne University, where he leads the 4EU+ Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Project Management Program. With over 35 years of project management experience, Hervé specializes in turning global challenges into opportunities through responsible innovation and international collaboration. As a mentor to entrepreneurs and executives across Europe, he empowers individuals and teams to become changemakers and fosters solutions with lasting impact. His years of experience at Mars Inc. in a variety of marketing and communications roles gave him deep insight into the complexities and operational realities of large organizations. Today, he is committed to projects that combine academic rigor with industry relevance to shape a new generation of responsible leaders.

Sabrina Pavan specialises in leading strategic initiatives that promote international collaboration, enhance institutional impact, and improve the global reputation of partner universities. She works at the University of Milan as part of the 4EU+ European University Alliance, focusing on implementing and integrating processes and activities across European universities. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, partnership management, mobility programs, and the development of opportunities for students. With a strong background in project management, Sabrina has coordinated and contributed to numerous international projects involving higher education institutions and industry partners. She has extensive experience establishing partnership agreements, managing international networks, and overseeing projects at various levels.

Ștefan-Marius Deaconu holds a PhD in History from the University of Bucharest, awarded in 2024. He has served as Vice-President and President of the National Alliance of Student Organisations in Romania and as a student evaluator at the Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. In the latter capacity, he was a member of the Commission for Humanities and Theology. He was a member and Secretary General of the Council for Ethics and University Management (CEMU). Since 2019, he has been a public policy expert at the Executive Unit for the Financing of Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI). Since November 2022, he is advisor to the Minister of Education. He currently represents Romania in the European Network of Graduate Tracking and is part of the Eurograduate 2026 national research team in Romania.

Laura Colò is the Project Manager for the 4EU+ Alliance, a coalition of eight prestigious European universities committed to fostering innovation in education, research, and social impact. She leads the 1CORE initiative, which focuses on deepening integration among member institutions and enhancing transnational collaboration.

Before, Laura co-coordinated the ED-AFFICHE project, which involved six European university alliances, 51 institutions, ministries, quality assurance agencies, students, and employers. This project contributed directly to the European Commission's blueprint for the European Degree, offering practical recommendations to facilitate cross-border academic recognition and mobility.

Before joining 4EU+, Laura collaborated with the UNICA Network, connecting universities in European capitals.

Professor Romita Iucu is the President of the Board of Trustees at the University of Bucharest and a professor of higher education and pedagogy at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. He coordinates the UNICA EduLAB Group, co-chairs the FOREU European Degree subgroup, and is a member of the Future of the Bologna Process Task Force. With over 16 years of experience in university management, including as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Acting Rector, he has significantly contributed to designing, managing, and validating higher education and adult education policies.

Professor Iucu has held key roles such as President of ENTEP, national representative in the BFUG, and member of the European University Association's Learning & Teaching Steering Committee. He has also worked with the European Commission, Eurydice, World Bank, and UNICEF on multiple educational programmes. Recognised for his professional contributions, he is a member of The International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame and a Magna Charta Observatory Ambassador.