The future of the universities of the Upper Rhine is resolutely tri-national and European. For both students and researchers, cross-border mobility must become an everyday experience. To this end, member universities can pool their resources, common focus areas emerge and service centers can work in concert with one another. That is how, in terms of research and training, the region has the potential to become a magnet for the best young scientists and international students.
In February 2019, the universities adopted a joint strategic plan for the years 2019 to 2023. Within the plan they concretely define their vision and the further development of the network with projects, goals and measures in the areas of research and innovation, teaching and doctoral training.
Strengthening cooperation in the field of research (Projects 1 and 3)
The European Campus supports and simplifies the networking and coordination of bi- and trinational research consortia – through seed money and better cooperation between service centers. Research infrastructures of all member universities are made accessible to each other and joint use concepts are developed, based on the work in the RMTMO.RI project. Cooperation between universities preserves highly specialized skills (“minor subjects”), develops them in a complementary way and makes them accessible within the European Campus.
Establishment of excellent priorities (Project 2)
In the focus areas of quantum sciences and technology, personalised health – precision medicine, sustainability and European identities, scientists are forming networks, for example in joint workshops or through joint grant applications. Universities are intensifying existing cooperation and initiating new ways of working together. Meanwhile, research and teaching hubs will be created in the focus areas.
Transfer to the economy and society (Project 4)
As a cross-border university alliance, the European Campus is aware of its responsibility for the transfer of knowledge and technology in society and the economy and will exchange and develop innovative formats for the cross-border dimension of knowledge transfer. The member universities participate in the Interreg project Knowledge Transfer Upper Rhine (KTUR) and maintain exchange with their host cities.
Cross-border mobility (Project 5)
Mobility between universities must become logical in studies, teaching and research. Recognition procedures are simplified and the differences between our institutions that complicate this mobility must therefore be suppressed. An online portal makes the courses offered by the member universities transparent. Eucor – The European Campus is engaged at the political level for better commuter connections and a common semester ticket.
Attractive and innovative teaching offers (Projects 6 and 7)
The European Campus promotes teaching collaboration between the member universities and supports teachers in the use of digital teaching formats and methods. The universities’ e-learning centers are networked and a joint offer in the field of Liberal Arts and Sciences is being developed.
Promotion of language and intercultural skills (Project 8)
The European Campus has a wide range of offers to improve language skills and intercultural competences. This benefits students as well as teachers, researchers and staff. Different departments within university administrations learn to know each other better and exchange their experiences at a tri-national level. The member universities support cross-border student activities and cultural life.
Qualification for doctoral candidates (Projects 9 and 10)
Binational doctoral procedures aim to internationalize cooperation in research and strengthen the mobility of doctoral candidates. The interdisciplinary qualification programs for doctoral students at the member universities are to be made accessible and jointly expanded in the medium term.
