On the path to becoming a European University Network: 2.5 years of ERUA at the Viadrina

From network to community

A central aim of ERUA is to connect students, researchers and staff across partner universities. An active international community has now emerged. Student-led initiatives such as the ERUA Book Club and the online forum “Queer Connect” create spaces for exchange beyond the classroom. In addition, joint seminars, international conferences, and formats such as ERUA Day and the annual summit bring members of the alliance together.

These activities lower the barriers to collaboration: when people know one another, they are more likely to develop joint ideas — whether for teaching projects, research proposals or new initiatives in campus life.

Students, researchers, teaching staff and administrative staff are increasingly taking advantage of opportunities for short visits to partner universities or for digital exchange. This not only broadens individual perspectives but also strengthens institutional ties.

Joint teaching: towards a European degree programme

A key milestone is the joint Master’s programme “Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context”, which is scheduled to launch in the winter semester 2026/27. It exemplifies the potential of European university cooperation: content is developed collaboratively, perspectives from different countries are integrated, and study locations are combined.

For the Viadrina, this enhances visibility in a highly relevant field and expands its international academic portfolio. Further joint degree programmes are already in development.

Research: building structures for collaboration

ERUA has also established sustainable frameworks for research collaboration within a relatively short period. More than 20 research clusters bring together expertise from across the partner universities in areas such as migration, democracy, the environment and cultural exchange. Within these clusters, researchers develop international projects, organise conferences and prepare joint publications.

Students as co-creators

A defining feature of ERUA is the strong involvement of students — an area in which the Viadrina plays a leading role within the alliance. Students organise conferences, contribute to strategic discussions through the ERUA Student Board, and represent the alliance as student ambassadors.

In November 2025, the student-led “Blue Commission”, dedicated to sustainability and environmental protection, presented a forward-looking sustainability concept to the leadership of all eight universities. Through initiatives such as the ERUA student magazine “Catch-up” and their own social media channels, students also actively shape communication within the network.

Their role extends well beyond traditional participation: they contribute their own ideas and play a visible part in shaping the future development of the alliance.

The next step: ERUA becomes a permanent structure

On 7 May 2026, the rectors of the ERUA universities will sign an agreement in Brussels to establish an international non-profit association under Belgian law. For the first time, ERUA will thus have its own legal entity. This marks the transition from project-based cooperation to a long-term institutional alliance.

The aim is to secure and further develop collaboration on a sustainable basis, independent of individual funding cycles.

In practical terms, this will mean clearer structures, faster decision-making and more reliable implementation of joint projects. ERUA will thereby gain greater operational capacity and be better positioned to deliver lasting impact in teaching, research and institutional development.

Ulrike Polley