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About Conference
We are pleased to invite you to attend LUMEN 2026, taking place on 17–18 November 2026 at the Auditorium Maximum of Jagiellonian University in Cracow.
The Key Higher Education Event for Central and Eastern Europe
This year’s edition of LUMEN will carry exceptional international significance, becoming a major meeting point for higher education leaders from across Central and Eastern Europe.
Organized in partnership with Times Higher Education, LUMEN 2026 will host the inaugural launch of the THE CEE Spotlight Edition — a brand-new dedicated ranking of the top 100 universities in Central and Eastern Europe, drawn directly from the THE World University Rankings 2027. This makes the conference a landmark occasion highlighting the growing academic strength and global importance of universities in our region.
THE Statuette Gala – Honouring the Best Universities in the Region
The annual Times Higher Education Statuette Gala will return this year in a special expanded edition, reflecting the significance of this historic moment for Central and Eastern European higher education.
During the Gala, the CEE Spotlight ranking results will be unveiled and certificates will be awarded to the Top 50 universities in the region. The event will serve not only as a celebration of achievement, but also as a powerful symbol of the region’s collective progress in higher education.
The inaugural THE Ranking - CEE Spotlight will recognise the top 50 universities across Central and Eastern Europe at a formal gala ceremony.
Thought leaders, rectors, and innovators from leading academic institutions across the region and beyond.
A well-established conference with a strong track record of convening higher education leaders
Building on the success of previous editions, LUMEN continues to grow as the region's premier higher education even
The inaugural THE Ranking - CEE Spotlight will recognise the top 50 universities across Central and Eastern Europe at a formal gala ceremony.
Thought leaders, rectors, and innovators from leading academic institutions across the region and beyond.
A well-established conference with a strong track record of convening higher education leaders
Building on the success of previous editions, LUMEN continues to grow as the region's premier higher education even
Why Attend LUMEN 2026?
Times Higher Education (THE) is honoured to invite you to the launch of a special new Central and Eastern Europe spotlight edition of the World University Rankings. This will be a unique, new regional lens exclusively of CEE nations, filtered directly from the THE World University Rankings 2027 edition.
The results of the inaugural CEE spotlight will be formally presented at the LUMEN 2026 Conference in Kraków, Poland. On this occasion, the CEE Top 50 universities will be unveiled, alongside regional performance insights. University leaders from across Central and Eastern Europe will gather for a formal ceremony and gala, during which certificates recognising the performance of the Top 50 CEE universities will be awarded.
Yours sincerely,
Phil Baty
Chief Global Affairs Officer & COO
Times Higher Education
The Speakers
Meet Our Special Speakers
Meet the speakers who will share their experience, insights, and proven solutions supporting the development of modern higher education institutions.
PCG Polska
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
Times Higher Education
Jagiellonian University in Kraków
Times Higher Education
The Foundation of Polish Rectors
Experience LUMEN 2026
Get a glimpse of what awaits you in Cracow. From inspiring keynotes and expert panel discussions to enriching workshops and genuine networking – LUMEN is where higher education leaders connect, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships. Click here to watch the highlights from LUMEN 2025 and see you in November.
Agenda
Conference Programme
LUMEN 2026 brings together a rich agenda designed for higher education leaders. Across two days, explore sessions covering university rankings and reputation, institutional strategy, modern management and the latest tools shaping the future of academic excellence.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Rankings & Reputation
Decode the THE CEE Spotlight methodology and learn how to strengthen your university's academic reputation and global visibility.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Research Quality
Explore strategic approaches to improving citation impact, building international research networks, and maximising your ranking position.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Institutional Strategy
Align governance, data infrastructure, and leadership decisions with long-term competitiveness in the CEE higher education landscape.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Policy & Regional Dialogue
Engage with ministry representatives and peer leaders in high-level panels on national policy, funding, and the future of CEE universities.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Universities & the Labour Market
How higher education institutions can respond to the evolving demands of Industry 4.0 and prepare graduates for tomorrow's economy.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Funding & Finance
Explore new sources of income and long-term financial strategies for universities facing the demands of the next decade.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Tools for Your Students
From remote learning platforms to student management systems - how the right digital tools are transforming the way universities teach, track, and support their communities.
10.00 PM - 11.30 PM
Engagement & Communication
Rethink how universities connect with the new generation of students, from recruitment to everyday campus experience.
Venue and date
November 17-18, 2026
Auditorium Maximum at Jagiellonian University in Cracow
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