On January 7th, 2026, the Council of the Kircher Network gathered in Brussels for its annual in-person meeting, hosted at the JCEP. The meeting provided an opportunity to review recent developments within the Network, discuss strategic priorities for the coming year, and address key matters related to upcoming assemblies, ongoing and new initiatives, and areas of common concern for member institutions. The Kircher Network, as the regional association for Europe and the Near East of the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU), is a key instrument for European Jesuit higher education institutions to project themselves beyond their local context and be part of the IAJU. This is a particularly important goal for smaller single faculties and schools, which make up a big part of present-day Jesuit higher education institutions. Below, you can find a few topics and updates which were discussed during the meeting:

1. Developments of the Network since the Assembly in Munich (July 2025) and plans for 2026.

The President and the Executive Secretary presented a joint report on developments since the Munich Assembly (July 2025). They reviewed the main activities carried out and outlined the projects and priorities planned for 2026, with particular attention to the implementation of new initiatives approved by the Assembly and the consolidation of ongoing network activities.

2. The Council discussed the upcoming General Assembly to be held in Krakow on 6–7 July 2026 and defined its main goals and theme

3. Development of New Projects Approved in Munich.

The Council reviewed progress and agreed on the next steps for the two new projects approved by the Munich Assembly.

Pilot Project on Mobility of Professors and Dissertation Tutoring:

Decisions:

• The project will initially focus on academic exchange in Humanities, Theology, and Social Sciences;

• A small organising committee will be established to assess feasibility and prepare a report on possible modalities and future development of the project;

• Organising committee: One delegate from each of the following institutions: - Ignatianum University in Krakow, University of Namur and Universidad Pontificia Comillas.

Canisius Formation Follow-Up Activities for Alumni

Decisions:

• The first step will be the organisation of online activities for alumni of Canisius Formation

• Alumni will be consulted regarding topics and experiences related to the identity and mission of Jesuit higher education that they would like to explore in further formation activities

4. Kircher New Group on Student Well-Being

The Council discussed proposals from Joseph Christie, SJ, Secretary of Jesuit Higher Education and President of IAJU, regarding the establishment of a new IAJU Taskforce on Student Well-Being, including the creation of regional groups within each network and the appointment of regional delegates. Decisions:

• The Council agreed to establish a Kircher Group on Student Well-Being (Mental and Spiritual);

• The mission of the group will be to advance formation, reflection, and activities fostering the well-being of students, administrators, and faculty within member institutions;

• The group will work in close collaboration with the corresponding IAJU Taskforce to ensure communication, exchange of experiences, and synergies;

• Following a series of online organisational meetings, the group will organise an in-person conference and workshop in the first quarter of 2027.