About the Alliance – ACE2EU
The mission of ACE2-EU – the Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged European University – is to unite students, teachers, researchers and stakeholders in a common goal: tackling future challenges through innovation, education and social responsibility.
The Alliance connects nine European institutions in a common inter-university campus, which fosters transnational collaboration and the creation of solutions based on challenges – from the digital and green transition to the socio-economic issues shaping modern society.
Our approach is based on four pillars: application, connectivity, entrepreneurship and engagement. Through multidisciplinary knowledge teams, ACE2-EU develops flexible and innovative programs for learning, research and service to society.
Main Operational Centers
The main operational centers – APP Factory, ARIES incubator, SPACE center and the digital platform e-Campus – enable practical application of knowledge, encourage creativity and co-creation and unite European partners in developing solutions with real impact.
ACE2-EU promotes a culture of inclusion, equality and human dignity, ensuring access to quality education regardless of gender, age, origin or status. The Alliance also advocates for environmental protection through “Green Campus” practices, sustainable resources and research aimed at climate sustainability.
Our work is based on responsibility and transparency, with a clear commitment to European values: democracy, freedom, rule of law, equality, human rights, solidarity and peace.
By bringing together ideas, knowledge and people, ACE2-EU creates a modern, dynamic and sustainable educational ecosystem that strengthens European identity and prepares society for the future.
Partners with UGD in this Alliance are:
- Политехнички универзитет во Сантарем, Португалија
- Универзитет за применети инженерски науки во Каунас, Литванија
- Латвиската академија за култура, Рига, Латвија
- Универзитет „Константин Бранкуш“ во Таргу Жиу, Романија
- Медицински универзитет во Гданск, Полска
- Универзитет за применети науки во Кaринтија, Австрија
- Универзитет „Франциско Де Виторија“ во Мадрид, Шпанија
- Технички универзитет во Инголштад, Германија
Opportunities for students and employees
The “Opportunities for students” category offers programs, trainings and events through which students can develop innovative, entrepreneurial and international skills within the framework of the European university alliance ACE2-EU. Through various academic and research initiatives, students have access to joint courses, summer schools, mobilities and challenges aimed at solving real societal problems.
The “Opportunities for staff” category is intended for academic and administrative staff who wish to participate in transnational training programmes, research projects, mobilities and innovation initiatives within the framework of ACE2-EU. These activities encourage cooperation, creativity and knowledge exchange between universities, with the aim of jointly building a European Education Area.
ACE2EU TEAM
Administrative support for the Alliance:

Full Professor at the Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences, Goce Delcev University – Stip,
Rector at Goce Delcev University.
Research interests: industrial and underground ventilation systems, occupational health and safety, air pollution and air quality monitoring, environmental protection, waste management, noise and vibration control, and applied environmental engineering. (Items where Author is “Mirakovski, Dejan” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP2 as part of the ACE²-EU Alliance, contributing to the development of application-based, interdisciplinary and innovation-oriented approaches, with a focus on environmental technologies, safety engineering and applied research capacities.
e-mail: dejan.mirakovski@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at the Faculty of Law and Vice Rector for International Cooperation and responsible for the ACE2EU Alliance at Goce Delcev University
Research interests: European Integrations, EU Law, EU Foreign Policy, EU Asylum and Migration, International Public Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Policies of Sustainable Development, Political Science (Items where Author is “Nikodinovska Krstevska, Ana” – UGD Academic Repository)
Project coordinator and Vice Rector responsible for the ACE2EU Alliance; Involved in WP2, WP6 and WP7
e-mail: ana.nikodinovska@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor In Criminal Law – Faculty of Law, North Macedonia
Research interests: Criminal Law, Juvenile Justice, Artificial Intelligence and Law and Transnational Crime.
Active researcher and national expert in criminal law and justice for children. Author and co-author of numerous books, scientific papers, and policy studies in the fields of criminal justice reform, digital transformation of law, and protection of children’s rights.
Involved in ACE²EU Alliance as Institutional Coordinator and member of WP1 and WP7.
e-mail: olga.kosevaliska@ugd.edu.mk

Sanja Maksimova, MSc
International Relations Officer at Goce Delcev University, Shtip.
Passionate about international collaboration and innovation in higher education, she has spent the past seven years expanding the university’s global network and fostering strong partnerships with universities, research centers, and scientific institutions around the world.
As Institutional Coordinator of the UGD Team in the ACE2EU project and Co-Leader of Work Package 6 – Embedding EU Values & Enhancing Mobility Across ACE2-EU – she actively contributes to promoting European values, inclusivity, and mobility opportunities for students and staff.
Full Professor in Business Law – Faculty of Law, North Macedonia
Research interests: Commercial Law, Insolvency Law, Competition Law, Contract Law.
Active researcher in the field of business law and related areas. Author and co-author of scientific papers, textbooks and professional publications focusing on corporate relations and law, market competition, insolvency, contracts.
Involved in the ACE²EU Alliance as a member of WP2.

Associate Professor and Vice Dean at the Faculty of Computer Science, Goce Delcev University – Stip
Research interests: Analysis and Functional Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematics Education, Innovative Technologies in Education.
(Items where Author is “Koceva Lazarova, Limonka” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP2 – APP Factory as part of the APP Pedagogy Unit and APP Programmes Unit, contributing to the development of research and innovation capacities through application-based and interdisciplinary approaches in higher education.
e-mail: limonka.lazarova@ugd.edu.mk

Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
Work Package 2 (APP Factory)
Biljana Todorova is the Dean and a Full Professor at the Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University in Stip, North Macedonia. She obtained her LL.B., LL.M., and Ph.D. degrees from the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus,” Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where she defended her doctoral dissertation titled “Principles of the Right to Work and Freedom of Work.” Her academic and research expertise covers labour law, social law, social security, environmental law, and international and EU law on employment and social protection. Professor Todorova has authored and co-authored several books and more than fifty scientific papers published in national and international journals. She has participated in numerous academic conferences and has been actively involved in various international projects, including:
– “The Concept of Sustainable Development through the Prism of Law and Policies” (2020–2023) – exploring sustainable development from legal and policy perspectives;
– “The European Family Support Network: A Bottom-up, Evidence-based, and Multidisciplinary Approach” (2020–2023) – a COST Action project focused on innovative models of family support;
– “EU E-Health and North Macedonia: From Current Practice to Implementation” (2021–2022) – an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet project analysing the implementation of EU e-health practices;
– “EDUCATION4PROGRESS: Regional Cooperation to Enhance EU Law Teaching” (2018) – a SEELS Network initiative supported by the Western Balkans Fund, aimed at improving the quality of EU law education in the region.
Within the ACE²EU Alliance, Professor Todorova is engaged in Work Package 2 – APP Factory, contributing to the co-creation of innovative and interdisciplinary educational formats, including applied programmes, challenge-based learning initiatives, and collaborative academic projects across European universities. Her expertise in labour and social rights, coupled with her leadership experience in higher education, reinforces the alliance’s mission to foster applied learning, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
https://scholar.ugd.edu.mk/biljanatodorova
Repository link: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/view/creators/Todorova=3ABiljana=3A=3A.html
E-mail: Biljana.todorova@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: International economics, international trade, tariff policy, non-tariff barriers, international business.
(Items where Author is “Miteva-Kacarski, Emilija” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP3 as part of the Entrepreneurship Academy.
e-mail: emilija.miteva@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at Faculty of Computer Sciences and Head of the Laboratory for Computer Security and Digital Forensics, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Digital Steganography, Computer and Network Security, Web Security, Network Protocols, IoT and CPS Protocols and Security, Medical Systems Security, Cryptography
Involved in WP3 as Chair of the ARC for Digital Transformation
Repository link: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/view/creators/Mileva=3AAleksandra=3A=3A.html
e-mail: aleksandra.mileva@ugd.edu.mk

Assistant Professor and Head of the Mechanical and Thermal Testing Laboratory at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Goce Delčev University, Stip.
Research interests: Production engineering and manufacturing systems, Mechanical characterisation and material behaviour, Optimisation of production processes, Robotic technologies for material processing, Advanced composite materials.
(Items where Author is “Sara Srebrenkoska” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP3 as part of the Operational Team of the ARIES Incubator.
e-mail: sara.srebrenkoska@ugd.edu.mk

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Applied Pharmacy, Goce Delcev University, Stip
Research interests: herbal bioactive compounds, medicinal phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, phytotherapy, especially plant antioxidant and antiaging compounds.
(Items where Author is “Maksimova, Viktorija” – UGD Academic Repository )
Involved in WP3 as a member of the steering group of the Health & Well-being ARC

Full Professor at the Faculty of Natural and Technical Sciences and Professional Associate at the AMBICON Laboratory, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Mineral Processing, Air Pollution, Atmospheric Chemistry and Composition, Wastewater Treatment
(Items where Author is “Zendelska, Afrodita” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP3 – ARIES Incubator, as a representative from Goce Delcev University in the ARC Steering group – Sustainable Science and Innovation.
e-mail: afrodita.zendelska@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Marketing, Marketing Management, Strategic marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Market and Marketing Research, Branding, Communication and Promotion, Entrepreneurship, Women Entrepreneurship (Items where Author is “Jovanov, Tamara” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP3 as developer of advanced MOOC courses and formerly in WP8 as co-coordinator
e-mail: tamara.jovanov@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Economics; part of Career centre Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Finance, Financial markets and institutions, Securities
(Items where Author is “Gogova Samonikov, Marija” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP4
e-mail: marija.gogova@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Head of the Department of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Goce Delcev University – Shtip. Coordinator for Public Relations and Marketing, Goce Delcev University – Stip.
Research interests: Sociology of Education, Intercultural Education, Religious Education, Multiculturalism and Inclusion in Education, Education for Democratic Society, Violence in Schools, Socialization and Values in Contemporary Society, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Mass Media and Communication.
(Items where Author is “Koceva, Daniela” – UGD Academic Repository)
Involved in WP4 SPACE Center
e-mail: daniela.koceva@ugd.edu.mk

Full Professor at the Faculty of Computer Sciences and Head of the Laboratory for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), bioengineering, human-computer interaction, and medical imaging.
Bibliography
Google Scholar: Saso Koceski – Google Scholar
UGD Academic Repository: Items where Author is “Koceski, Saso” – UGD Academic Repository
Leader of WP5 e-Campus
e-mail: saso.koceski@ugd.edu.mk

Martina Nikolovska Krstevska, MA – Advisor
International relations office
Actively involved in the Erasmus+ projects for Student and Staff mobilities
Involved in WP6 as a Team member

International Cooperation and Quality Assurance Advisor, Goce Delcev University
Actively involved in the Erasmus+ Projects for Student and Staff mobilities.
Involved in WP6 as Team member
e-mail: milkica.milenkoska@ugd.edu.mk

Personal information: Biljana Conevska Gunjovska PhD
Work experience: Coordinator for legal and administrative affairs in the rector’s office, Goce Delcev University / Law Secretary at Faculty of Tourism and Business logistics, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Intellectual property, Business Law, Innovation, Founding acts of legal entities and Universities
Involved in WP 7, also member of ACE2EU Alliance office e-mail: biljana.conevska@ugd.edu.mk

Associate Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology at the Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University
Research interests: Criminal Law, Criminology, Criminal Procedure, Human Rights
Involved in WP7 and WP8. University’s coordinator of WP8

Head of Financial and Accounting department at Goce Delcev University -Stip
Main interests and tasks: The scope of responsibilities encompasses comprehensive financial planning, management, and reporting activities at both institutional and project levels.
Key tasks include the preparation of financial documentation necessary for the establishment of domestic and international project accounts, in close coordination with project managers during the development of financial plans and strategies.
Responsibilities further extend to the execution of payments in accordance with institutional and donor regulations, and the preparation of quarterly, interim, and final financial reports for ongoing projects. At the institutional level, duties include the preparation of the University “Goce Delchev” (UGD) financial plans and regular communication with the Rector and Vice-Rectors concerning the implementation and monitoring of UGD’s budgetary responsibilities.
In addition to financial management functions, active participation is maintained in training events and workshops dedicated to the transfer of know-how in financial management and economics. Further engagement includes the preparation and execution of research activities related to statistical and financial data analysis, as well as the development of training materials aimed at enhancing understanding of economic and financial issues within the academic and professional context.
Involved in WP7 as financial administrative staff ensuring the Sustainability of ACE2-EU Inter-University Campus (This includes supporting the financial and administrative aspects necessary for the long-term viability and success of the project, in alignment with its strategic objectives and partnership commitments)
e-mail: Aleksandar.jakimov@ugd.edu.mk

Accountant in the Financial and Accounting Department at Goce Delcev University-Stip
Main interests and tasks: The responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accepted accounting standards. The role encompasses tax compliance, financial analysis, and comprehensive financial reporting to support effective decision-making and transparency within the institution.
Further duties involve active participation in the budgeting process, including the preparation and monitoring of budgets, as well as the planning, drafting, and consolidation of quarterly budget reports.
The position also entails the preparation and execution of the institution’s final annual account, ensuring all financial data are properly recorded, reconciled, and reported in accordance with statutory and institutional requirements. In addition to these responsibilities, technical, administrative, and financial support is provided across various institutional and project-related activities to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
Involved in WP7 as financial administrative staff ensuring the Sustainability of ACE2-EU Inter-University Campus (This includes supporting the financial and administrative aspects necessary for the long-term viability and success of the project, in alignment with its strategic objectives and partnership commitments)
e-mail: Nevence.panova@ugd.edu.mk
Editor-in-Chief at the University Media Center and Project Coordinator, Goce Delcev University, Štip
Research and professional interests: Journalism, Media Education, Digital Storytelling, Youth Media, Communication Strategies, and Media Business Models.
Involved in WP8 – Communication and Dissemination, with specific responsibility for the creation and coordination of video materials within the alliance’s outreach and visibility activities.
He is a media expert, journalist, and editor-in-chief at the University “Goce Delcev” in Štip, North Macedonia. With over a decade of experience in journalism, media education, and digital content creation, he leads the University’s radio, TV, and online media platforms. He is the founder and mentor of the youth-driven media outlet www.goce.mk and serves as project coordinator for various international initiatives promoting independent journalism and youth media.
As a trainer and public speaker, he has participated in major international forums including Brave New Media Forum, Journalift Talks, and OSCE media events. His international experience includes a fellowship at George Mason University (USA) and certified trainings in media strategy, storytelling, and business models from Thomson Foundation, BIRN, and Alfred Friendly Press Partners.
He holds a Master’s degree in Media and Communication from the University “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje.
e-mail: igor.stojanov@ugd.edu.mk
News
Four students from the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip were part of an international student mobility in Madrid, Spain, during the past week, within the
Starting in 2026, the European University Alliance ACE²-EU will launch the “ACE_RISE (Reach, Inspire, Serve, Engage) Volunteer Programmes” as part of its commitment to civic
The ACE²-EU Alliance is currently holding its first day of an intensive workshop dedicated to developing the idea of establishing a legal entity for the
Goce Delcev University – Stip actively participates in the co-creation of the ACE²-EU “Palliative Care” Flavour School, which is being held from 23 to 27
From 10 to 12 February 2025, Prof. Dr. Limonka Kotseva-Lazarova from the Faculty of Informatics and Prof. Dr. Elena Maksimova from the Faculty of Law,
UGD is hosting a three-day workshop within the framework of our project European University Alliance ACE 2 EU, which brings together researchers from all nine