Second period

Uni Graz enters the next four years with the higher education alliance Arqus and a 14.4 million grant from the EU

With a record budget of 272 million euros, the European Commission is funding 16 so-called "European universities" for another four years. These are alliances of several universities spread across the entire continent. Among them is the University of Graz, which is one member of the Arqus alliance, which currently has nine.

The goal of Arqus: To connect researchers, staff and students, improve the experience of early-stage researchers, run more collaborative programs, provide innovative teaching and be deeply involved in local communities. An important feature of the new funding phase is the establishment of a Talent and Innovation Fund for excellent students, with a special focus on those from vulnerable backgrounds and those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Many unis, many goals
As of September 2022, Arqus consists of the universities of Granada (Spain), Graz (Austria), Leipzig (Germany), Lyon (France), Minho (Portugal), Padua (Italy), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Wrocław (Poland). Their vision for 2032 is that of a forward-looking, open, integrated and research-led European University. The first three years have laid the foundation for close collaboration. Among the bonuses for Arqus members are such things as free mobility between partner universities, joint educational and staff development opportunities, and shared use of resources.

Over the next four years, Arqus plans to work more intensively on the pressing issues of our time: Climate Change and Sustainable Development; Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation; and European Identity and Cultural Heritage. In the "Living Lab," researchers, teachers and students will work together to develop ideas for solutions to these issues. Students in particular play an important role in Arqus: the "Student Agora" provides the framework by which they design projects to help shape the world of tomorrow. To fulfill these tasks, Arqus will develop, among other things, a shared, virtual learning and teaching platform.

More about the European Universities Initiative
European Universities are alliances of higher education institutions from across Europe working together in education, research and innovation for the benefit of students, teachers, researchers and society. The now 44 European Universities comprise 340 higher education institutions in capital cities and remote regions of 31 countries. In the course of the current funding call, four new alliances also see the light of day.

More information about Arqus on the website and in the mission statement 2022-2032

Gerhild Leljak

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