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Strategically on the future of YERUN
The future of European science, research and higher education was discussed by the representatives of the young research universities affiliated to the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN). At a meeting at the University of Konstanz, Germany, dr habil. Adam Kola, MCU Prof., NCU Vice-Rector for Science was nominated to the association's executive board.
The three-day General Assembly reflected on the association's 10-year activities and outlined strategic goals for 2026-2030. The representatives of YERUN member universities also focused on analysing the European Commission's policy on international cooperation and the perspective of the Academic Cooperation Associacion. Exploring the importance of collaboration in conducting innovative research, the delegates had a Spotlight on Excellence in Research featuring the visit to the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz. It is noteworthy that it is with the aim of supporting scientists in establishing overseas research contacts that the association launched the platform Connect by YERUN.
Next year is YERUN's 10th anniversary year, a time for reflection and planning for the next steps. The board of the association, chaired by Prof Dag Rune Olsen, Rector of UiT - the Norwegian University of the Arctic, will have a key influence on the path the association will take to achieve its goals. In addition to the NCU Vice-Rector Prof. Adam Kola, the board also includes Prof. Barbara Hohle, Vice-Rector for Science, from the University of Potsdam, Rector Jens Ringsmose, from the University of Southern Denmark, and Prof. Dr Sophie Vanhoonacker, from the University of Maastricht.
Milena Schilling
The Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN) was established in 2016 as an association of young European universities with similar goals and values, such as openness, responsibility and inclusivity. The association's core mission is to shape a higher education environment in which young universities have a real say in its role and nature. The network is made up of 23 European universities, and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń is the only Polish university in the group.
