Our societies are changing. In Europe, increased migration has contributed to more cultural diversity – and more awareness on the topic. Social diversity and inequality are hotly debated in the wake of the financial crisis and they are closely related to globalisation and a rapidly-changing labour markets. Moreover, the last decade has seen an increase in awareness and recognition of sexual and gender diversity.
In this context, inclusiveness has become a strategic question for a number of universities, impacting learning and teaching, research and institutional cultures. Many have taken action to find new ways to enable people from traditionally less-represented backgrounds to find their place in higher education.
EUA is working to ensure that universities across Europe have a platform to share their approaches and strategies. The Association facilitates an ongoing European-wide discussion on the topic, fostering peer-learning activities and supporting members in understanding how diversity, equity and inclusiveness can be embedded into higher education, research and university management.
EUA also uses its findings in relevant policy debates, for instance in the Bologna Process or its activities related to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Association also focuses on this topic through the “Higher Education Supporting Refugees in Europe” (inHERE) project and the “Refugees Welcome Map”. EUA is also active in monitoring gender equality, especially in university leadership. These topics are also present in the Association’s work in promoting universities and values.
EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, during the European Research and Innovation Days in September 2020, stated that excellence and inclusiveness are two sides of the same coin in the new European Research Area (ERA). EUA welcomes the European Commission’s Communication “A new ERA for Research and Innovation” released on 30 September 2020 as a starting point to making this ambition a reality.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the scholarship programme “Hilde Domin Programme” to support students and doctoral candidates from across the globe who are at risk of being formally or de facto denied educational or other rights in their country of origin. The application portal...
view moreThe Welsh Government announced the new International Learning Exchange programme following the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus+ scheme for the 2021 – 2027 period. The new programme will offer opportunities to learners, young people, educators, and staff from the 2022/2023...
view moreSustainable learning and teaching was at the centre of the 2020 EUA Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Groups, which have wrapped up their cycle of work. Focusing specific issues under this broader topic, the groups have released their reports covering: Approaches in learning and teaching...
view moreThe UK Mission to the EU, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Association (EUA) organise the webinar “From Diversity STEMs Success: Promoting Gamechangers in Research and Innovation” on 23 March from 11:00 to 12:00 CEST. As part of the UK G7...
view moreThe Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT) organises a series of five webinars as part of the Erasmus+ supported ARENA (Refugees and Recognition – Toolkit 3) project. The webinars will present refugees country briefings for Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, Burundi and...
view moreInternational Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, is an opportunity that EUA has been seizing every year to further raise awareness on gender disparities in universities. In 2021, again, the Association contributes to this important discussion by presenting the latest data on female leadership...
view moreThe 2020 EUA Learning & Teaching Thematic Peer Group on “Approaches in learning and...
read moreOn 14 February, Frédérique Vidal, French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, announced plans to order the French research agency (CNRS) to conduct an enquiry into French university research focused on colonialism and race. The aim, according to Vidal, is to identify those...
view moreThe Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CELT), part of EUA member National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway), partnered with its Inclusive Learning project team to organise the online Inclusive Learning in Higher Education Symposium on 7 and 8 April 2021. This two-day...
view moreThe Erasmus Student Network (ESN) launched their yearly ESNsurvey, the largest European-wide research project conducted solely by volunteers working to advocate for the improvement of exchange programmes and education in Europe. The deadline to participate is 31 January. This year’s edition of...
view moreThe European University Alliance E³UDRES² (Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions) calls for scientific contributions, relevant concepts, inspiring ideas, and innovative approaches for a closer connection between science and higher...
view moreLumina Foundation published a study entitled “COVID’s Lessons for Global Higher Education: Coping with the Present while Building a More Equitable Future”. The study offers a preliminary assessment of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on higher education throughout the world, with a special...
view moreThe new European Commission “Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion” frames migrant integration under the overarching theme of “Inclusion for all”. Like the previous plan, there is a strong emphasis on the role of education and training (particularly early education) in the integration of...
view moreThe process to renew the European Research Area (ERA) is gathering pace and is set to continue in...
read moreThe Lifelong Learning Platform is organising the 10th edition of the LLLWeek on 1 - 4 December in online format. This year's LLLWeek will be dedicated to “Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Societies”, with debates focusing on the role of civil society organisations working in education to...
view moreGranting refuge and academic freedom to scholars and students, who had to flee persecution and...
read moreThe Refugee Education Initiatives 2 (REIs 2) consortium organises the online workshop “Recognising Learning and Promoting Inclusion: conversations on access to university in Europe for refugees and displaced people” on 30 October. The workshop is part of the EU-funded REIS2 project and it is...
view moreEUA partner Scholars at Risk (SAR) organises “Free to Think 2020: Responding to Attacks on Higher Education” on 19 – 20 November 2020. The virtual conference marks SAR’s 20th anniversary and the release of the SAR's annual monitoring report, Free to Think 2020. The event will also feature the...
view moreCoventry University’s Centre for Global Learning: Education and Attainment (GLEA) organises the online conference “Reconstructing education through a global lens” on 2 – 6 November 2020. The weeklong online event will showcase, discuss and share ideas on important issues related to...
view moreInSPIREurope, the initiative to support, promote and integrate researchers at risk in Europe, organises the first InSPIREurope outreach workshop in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 30 September. The event will be organised in hybrid format: online and with face-to-face meetings at the premises of EUA...
view moreTo mark its 75th anniversary in 2020, the United Nations launched a global conversation on how to tackle the challenges we face and build a better future for all. The UN invites European universities to participate in the UN75 Initiative by hosting dialogues and responding to a one-minute...
view moreThe European Commission has published the first report of the Eurograduate Pilot Survey, with insights on graduates’ education, skills, careers, mobility, and social outcomes, comparing eight pilot countries. EUA is member of the Eurograduate advisory board. The Eurograduate survey is a one-off...
view moreThe Gender Equality Academy organises the free online course “Gender Equality in research and innovation: the journey toward Institutional Change”, designed and delivered within the H2020 GE Academy Project. The course, built around 7 modules, aims at providing learners with a wealth of...
view moreThe University of Vechta, in Germany, opened a call for nominations for the Höffmann Academic Award for Intercultural Competence, sponsored by the Vechta-based travel company Höffmann Reisen GmbH. The award, of 10.000 euros, is part of a long-term programme aimed at promoting intercultural...
view moreThe Centesimus Annus- Pro Pontifice Foundation (FCAPP) organises the 5th edition of the International "Economy and Society" Award to promote knowledge of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church. The award consists of: a prize worth 20,000 euros for publications in economic and social...
view moreStudents from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds still struggle to participate in higher...
read moreThe Covid-19 pandemic presents new challenges for inclusive teaching. This article shares the...
read moreThe Bologna Follow-up Group has developed a new strategic document that defines ten principles and...
read moreThe coronavirus pandemic demonstrates the renewed importance of universities’ civic engagement,...
read moreRefugees bring with them skills, qualifications and experience – including in the medical field....
read moreDiversity is, as much as excellence, the strength of our universities. Mathieu Schneider from the...
read moreWhat would be the most effective way forward for universities to promote social dimension in their...
read moreGrants are important for researchers’ careers and only the best applicants receive them. So, what...
read moreThe Erasmus+ Programme prescribes affirmative action in favour of disadvantaged students....
read moreInternationalisation of the learning experience within higher education is becoming progressively...
read moreAs societies transform, diversity is becoming a key concern for higher education institutions...
read moreWhile more women are making their way to the highest levels of academic leadership in Europe, the...
read moreResearch and innovation benefit from diversity in all respects. As Lokesh Joshi of the National...
read moreIn 2019, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of EU activities to advance gender equality in...
read moreAccess to education holds great potential for refugees, especially women. Dr Sezer Ş. Komsuoğlu of...
read moreAs the world grapples with the future of the United Nations migration pact, Europe’s higher...
read moreThe European Commission’s Erasmus+ mid-term review must consider how to harness the potential of...
read moreThe European University Association (EUA) and the European University Continuing Education Network (EUCEN) supported by the European Students’ Union...
Read moreRecording of the webinar is available on the EUA YouTube Channel. On 28 May 2019, at 14:00 CEST, EUA hosted a webinar on the launch of the study report...
Read moreEUA organised a focus group on “Universities’ Strategies and Practices towards Diversity and Inclusiveness” on 24 November 2017. The event...
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