July 2025
The 4EU+ MICI (Micro-Credential Integration) project has officially established its External Advisory Committee — an important milestone in supporting the project’s mission to develop a shared European framework for high-quality, flexible, and widely recognised micro-credentials in higher education.
The Committee brings together distinguished representatives from national and regional public authorities, the labour market, and the higher education community. With expertise in lifelong learning, quality assurance, student engagement, and employer needs, the members will offer strategic guidance on key project outputs, helping align the project’s outcomes with the needs of both education and the labour market.
In addition to reviewing major deliverables, the Committee will help connect the project with broader European initiatives, and play an active role in dissemination activities, including the final project conference. The Committee will convene twice during the project and may also provide written input on specific issues related to quality assurance and market needs.
Dr. Imke Buss is an expert in economic education sciences and academic management. Since 2021, she has been working at the Ministry of Science of Baden-Württemberg, with recognized expertise in higher education, e-learning, curriculum development, and quality management, particularly in the context of lifelong learning.
Marilena Maniaci is a Professor of Palaeography at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, where she has also served as Vice-Rector for Research and Deputy Rector. For 5 years, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of ANVUR, the Italian national agency for the evaluation of universities and research institutions, where she contributes to the agency’s strategic direction and activity management. She is involved, both as a researcher and coordinator, in numerous national and European research projects and collaborates regularly with international universities and research centres.
With extensive experience in managing European projects, Mags Arnold leads the IUA Multi Campus Micro Credentials Project at University College Cork. Her expertise is part of a strategic rollout of continuing education for the professional market.
Levente Varga studied diplomacy and international relations and represents students within the European Students’ Union. As a spokesperson for the student community, his expertise helps identify students’ needs in academic training.
Marie-Jo Goedert has extensive experience in higher education, gained through several strategic roles, notably within the Advisory Committee for Private Higher Education (2008–2014). Since 2016, she has been the Administrative and International Director of the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI). In this capacity, she is actively involved in several European quality assurance bodies, such as ECA, ENQA, and ENAEE, contributing to work on international recognition and engineering education standards.