Coimbra Group extends membership to three more distinguished European universities
17 June 2025
The Coimbra Group is thrilled to announce that its membership has been expanded to 42 universities of high international standard after its General Assembly approved, on Friday 13 June 2025, the applications from the University of Leeds (United Kingdom), Newcastle University (United Kingdom), and the University of Wrocław (Poland).
The three new distinguished institutions will integrate into the Coimbra Group immediately.
Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, the Coimbra Group. This European university network has a very strong strategic fit with the University of Leeds. In particular, its outward-looking approach, focused on delivering impact for global and local communities, aligns strongly with our own University strategy and mission”.
Professor Chris Day CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, stated: “We are delighted to be joining the Coimbra Group whose mission aligns with our shared values and our fundamental recognition of our responsibility to serve society. Newcastle has multiple shared interests with the Coimbra Group in terms of policy, including open science and open research, rankings and academic freedom. We expect to learn a lot, but also to be able to contribute significantly in areas where we are proud to have innovated and led the global higher education sector”.
Professor Robert Olkiewicz, Rector of the University of Wrocław, commented: “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the Coimbra Group. The Coimbra Group’s shared dedication to international cooperation resonates deeply with our own strategic objectives. The University of Wroclaw is actively engaged in a wide array of cutting-edge research fields, including environmental sciences, digital humanities, artificial intelligence, and social sciences. We believe our expertise in these areas can complement the strengths of Coimbra Group members, and we are eager to contribute to interdisciplinary projects, knowledge sharing, and advancing academic discourse in these vital domains”.
Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group since 2017, said the decision to invite the three new members to join the prestigious network was the result of a comprehensive strategic analysis carried out by the Executive Board and its Rectors’ Advisory Group in the past months.
“Like all other Coimbra Group members, Leeds, Newcastle, and Wroclaw excel in research, innovation and education, while championing their contribution to society. We are welcoming each of them warmly as we know they will make an impactful contribution to the network, bringing additional vision, knowledge, and influence. We cannot wait to start engaging with their academic, administrative and student communities in our thematic Working Groups and policy initiatives”, he said.
Founded in 1985 and formally constituted by Charter in 1987, the Coimbra Group is celebrating 40 years in 2025, making it the oldest university network in Europe. The association leverages advocacy and collaboration to promote higher education internationalisation, academic collaboration, excellence in learning and research, and service to society.
After this membership extension, the Coimbra Group now brings together 42 long-established European comprehensive, multidisciplinary universities of high international standard committed to creating special academic and cultural ties, share experience and knowledge and influence policy.