Durham University Joins Arqus Alliance to Influence European Higher Education Landscape
Durham University Joins Arqus European University Alliance
Durham University has been admitted as an associate member of the Arqus European University Alliance, a multilateral alliance consisting of nine research-intensive, comprehensive European universities with a strong commitment to regional engagement.
The Arqus Alliance, one of the first 17 alliances selected for funding by the European Commission in 2019, aims to build a multicultural, multilingual, and inclusive Europe by fostering collaboration among students, researchers, teachers, and higher education professionals.
The purpose of the alliance is to prepare Europe for future challenges through shared academic, scientific, and cultural objectives, emphasizing people and community within European higher education. The Arqus European University Alliance was officially admitted during a ceremony held on Monday, 4 November, with representatives from Durham University, the University of Minho, and several other member universities in attendance.
Professor Rui Vieira de Castro, the Rector of the University of Minho, and Professor Karen O'Brien, the Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, were present at the ceremony. Also in attendance were representatives from Vilnius University, the University of Granada, the University of Graz, and the Arqus Alliance.
As an associate member, Durham University will engage with several Arqus work packages focused on teaching innovation, PhD mentoring, student mobility, and research support. In the first year of association, Durham has committed to focusing on the Living Labs for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, and European Identity and Heritage as priority areas.
Fernando Galán, the Secretary General of the Arqus Alliance, expressed his delight at Durham's membership, stating that it opens up further opportunities for academic excellence and international collaboration. The Arqus Alliance aspires to build on the member universities' sound experience in collaboration, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary challenges as priority areas for joint actions in the future.
The Arqus Alliance also develops initiatives like MOOCs (e.g., in cybersecurity) and plurilingualism modules to enhance learning opportunities and digital skills for a broad audience, including citizens and professionals. These initiatives align with Durham University's commitment to fostering academic and professional capabilities across its member institutions and supporting diversity and inclusion.
The admission of Durham University brings the total number of EUAs (European University Alliances) to 64, involving more than 560 higher education institutions across Europe. The Arqus European University Alliance continues to work towards its goal of enhancing European higher education integration, supporting diversity and inclusion, and preparing Europe for future challenges.
[1] Arqus European University Alliance. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arqus-alliance.eu/
[2] European University Alliances. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/opportunities/higher-education_en
[3] Arqus European University Alliance. (n.d.). MOOCs. Retrieved from https://www.arqus-alliance.eu/moocs/
[4] Arqus European University Alliance. (n.d.). Plurilingualism. Retrieved from https://www.arqus-alliance.eu/plurilingualism/
[5] Arqus European University Alliance. (n.d.). Cybersecurity. Retrieved from https://www.arqus-alliance.eu/cybersecurity/
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