In 2017, the University of Cologne joined the Coimbra Group and has since then been a very active member: by participating in all working groups (some of them even as Chairs) and High-Level Seminars, organizing a Europe-wide lecture series, developing mutual Erasmus+ strategic partnership projects, signing the Poitiers Declaration and having a Vice-President in the Executive Board. In May 2023, the University of Cologne hosted the Coimbra Group Annual Conference and General Assembly and welcomed more the 300 members on campus – an event that the University still remembers with great pleasure.
It is a highly valuable asset that the Coimbra Group brings together so many actors from all academic levels (Research and teaching as well as leadership and management) to debate relevant topics in higher education.
The Coimbra Group draws its strength from its important liaison and advisory function. It generates valuable synergies from the numerous university alliances. It acts as an important interlocutor in Brussels because it represents the interests of many renowned and research-intensive universities. These factors provide the Coimbra Group (and, therefore, its individual members) with an essential voice with weight in this field.
On a personal level, it was a highlight for me to be a leading member of the team that organized the Annual Conference in Cologne in May 2023 and welcomed the “European Family“ in Cologne. Yet, moving beyond that singular event, it is an honor and a pleasure to act jointly with so many engaged, inspiring, cooperative, and helpful people eagerly working to find mutual solutions to European tasks and challenges. I am looking forward to many more years to come.
Christiane Biehl, Vice Head Division International Affairs, University of Cologne