With the cross-border professorships between its member universities, Eucor – The European Campus successfully implements a pioneer project in the European context. Cross-border research, teaching and studies have been the hallmarks of the Upper Rhine network for more than 30 years. Still, the nature of the cross-border professorships is also a novelty for the German – French – Swiss region. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, and the Arts (MWK) paved the way for the establishment of these professorships. In a letter from the then Minister, Theresia Bauer, the MWK created the prospect of funding two professorships for the two German member universities, the University of Freiburg and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

The commitment to the funding was preceded by a feasibility study entitled "Joint appointments at the European Campus", which was commissioned by the Eucor member universities within the framework of an INTERREG project. With no existing model for universities to follow to guide recruitment, the feasibility study outlined possible models of cooperation.

The successful establishment of the professorships at the Baden-Württemberg universities inspired the French partners. Within the framework of the Contrat Triennal Strasbourg Capitale européenne, the French regional authorities, which include the Région Grand Est, the Collectivité européenne d'Alsace (CeA), the Eurométropole and the City of Strasbourg, also support the establishment of a cross-border professorship offered by the University of Strasbourg.