In December 2024, Milestone 56 – Digital Presence Forum launched under Work Package 10 (Sustainability and Dissemination) marked the official creation and activation of the NEOLAiA Virtual Café, a collaborative digital forum connecting all members of the Alliance.
Developed and coordinated by the University of Salerno (UNISA), the Virtual Café was built on the Discourse open-source platform and customized to meet the needs of NEOLAiA’s academic and administrative communities.
It enables researchers, academics and staff to collaborate, exchange resources, share experiences, and engage in discussions on topics such as research, teaching, events, and mobility.
Security and accessibility were key design priorities. Through integration with Shibboleth and eduGAIN, the platform provides a secure and federated authentication system, ensuring seamless access for all partner institutions.
UNISA led this technical implementation, delivering a flexible and interoperable solution that reflects the alliance’s vision for digital transformation.
As a cornerstone of NEOLAiA’s digital and communication strategy, the Virtual Café strengthens cooperation among partners while also serving as a sustainable tool for engagement with external stakeholders.
It stands as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange, reinforcing NEOLAiA’s mission to build an inclusive and connected European university community.
