New university network brings Uppsala closer to Brussels

“The challenges we face in science and society require an ambitious response from Europe’s leading research institutions to contribute relevant knowledge. We want to improve the dialogue between research and politics at European level and be a distinct voice in society. The combined expertise of the member universities is impressive,” says Vice-Chancellor Eva Åkesson.

Large parts of Uppsala University’s activities are of an international nature. It is natural for a leading research university to cooperate internationally and to exchange students, researchers and knowledge with other countries. EU resources now provide a considerable proportion of funding for research projects: the total value of the projects for which Uppsala University has been granted EU funding and which the University is participating in currently stands at around EUR 50 million. This entails both a responsibility to ensure that resulting advances in knowledge benefit the development of society, and an interest in influencing the direction of research policy. Through the network The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, the University is strengthening its presence in Brussels and obtaining a channel to EU institutions in research and education policy issues.

The newly started network consists of research-intensive higher education institutions from different parts of Europe. Uppsala University is already engaged in cooperation with some of them, while others are new acquaintances. The higher education institutions share a commitment to research quality as the key driver for the creation of knowledge, and to better communications with EU decision-makers and funding bodies.

More information about The Guild and the member universities.