WP_Query Object ( [query] => Array ( [paged] => 18 [category_name] => news ) [query_vars] => Array ( [paged] => 18 [category_name] => news [error] => [m] => [p] => 0 [post_parent] => [subpost] => [subpost_id] => [attachment] => [attachment_id] => 0 [name] => [pagename] => [page_id] => 0 [second] => [minute] => [hour] => [day] => 0 [monthnum] => 0 [year] => 0 [w] => 0 [tag] => [cat] => 1 [tag_id] => [author] => [author_name] => [feed] => [tb] => [meta_key] => [meta_value] => [preview] => [s] => [sentence] => [title] => [fields] => all [menu_order] => [embed] => [category__in] => Array ( ) [category__not_in] => Array ( ) [category__and] => Array ( ) [post__in] => Array ( ) [post__not_in] => Array ( ) [post_name__in] => Array ( ) [tag__in] => Array ( ) [tag__not_in] => Array ( ) [tag__and] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__in] => Array ( ) [tag_slug__and] => Array ( ) [post_parent__in] => Array ( ) [post_parent__not_in] => Array ( ) [author__in] => Array ( ) [author__not_in] => Array ( ) [search_columns] => Array ( ) [ignore_sticky_posts] => [suppress_filters] => [cache_results] => 1 [update_post_term_cache] => 1 [update_menu_item_cache] => [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1 [update_post_meta_cache] => 1 [post_type] => [posts_per_page] => 20 [nopaging] => [comments_per_page] => 50 [no_found_rows] => [order] => DESC ) [tax_query] => WP_Tax_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => category [terms] => Array ( [0] => news ) [field] => slug [operator] => IN [include_children] => 1 ) ) [relation] => AND [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( [0] => wp_term_relationships ) [queried_terms] => Array ( [category] => Array ( [terms] => Array ( [0] => news ) [field] => slug ) ) [primary_table] => wp_posts [primary_id_column] => ID ) [meta_query] => WP_Meta_Query Object ( [queries] => Array ( ) [relation] => [meta_table] => [meta_id_column] => [primary_table] => [primary_id_column] => [table_aliases:protected] => Array ( ) [clauses:protected] => Array ( ) [has_or_relation:protected] => ) [date_query] => [queried_object] => WP_Term Object ( [term_id] => 1 [name] => News [slug] => news [term_group] => 0 [term_taxonomy_id] => 1 [taxonomy] => category [description] => [parent] => 0 [count] => 421 [filter] => raw [term_order] => 0 [cat_ID] => 1 [category_count] => 421 [category_description] => [cat_name] => News [category_nicename] => news [category_parent] => 0 ) [queried_object_id] => 1 [request] => SELECT SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS wp_posts.ID FROM wp_posts LEFT JOIN wp_term_relationships ON (wp_posts.ID = wp_term_relationships.object_id) WHERE 1=1 AND ( wp_term_relationships.term_taxonomy_id IN (1) ) AND ((wp_posts.post_type = 'post' AND (wp_posts.post_status = 'publish'))) GROUP BY wp_posts.ID ORDER BY wp_posts.menu_order, wp_posts.post_date DESC LIMIT 340, 20 [posts] => Array ( [0] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3627 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-10-16 14:43:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-10-16 14:43:59 [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_3628" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo: European University Foundation[/caption] On 11 October the European University Foundation (EUF) organised one of their Erasmus Salons at the Maison des Ailes, a Brussels institution founded by the Belgian pilots who flew for the RAF in the UK under the Second World War. The Coimbra Group was invited to provide a speaker together with a representative from the Lifelong Learning Platform, an umbrella organisation for 43 European organisations active in the field of education, training and youth. The EUF organise evening talks like this at various cafés and pubs to raise awareness of developments in European higher education. The theme for the 11 October evening was “Are Universities a Hub for Lifelong Learning?” and after the introductions there was a lively debate. Of course, universities are hubs for lifelong learning, it is what they have always been although they would call it something different – research, perhaps? But that is probably not what the concept of “lifelong learning” stands for. The provision of opportunities for everybody to benefit from learning opportunities throughout their lives is not the remit of universities, but national education providers. The only European programme offering support to activities in lifelong learning is the Erasmus Programme, even at some point in its 30-year-old life called the “LLL – Lifelong Learning Programme”. As the bulk of the funding over the decades has gone to universities, it is no wonder that some think they should offer more in terms of lifelong learning for everybody, but this is the wrong way at looking at the reality behind the funding schemes of the European Commission.  When the Erasmus Programme started, the European Commission went to the universities – they are autonomous, not state regulated as the rest of the education systems. The Treaty of the European Union does not encompass education so all non-university, non-autonomous activities at EU level needs to be adopted within the limits of subsidiarity. For as long as individual Member States do not provide learning opportunities for all throughout their lives, there is nothing a European Union programme can do. The hope is, of course, that the good example of the universities that secured the Erasmus Programme had lift-off and success, would rub off on other sectors of the education systems. Could this happen? It seems the European Commission has made this even more difficult for themselves than before by de-centralising the administration and evaluation of the Programme to the national agencies and national offices, something that can only exacerbate the already existing situation with individual national education systems unwilling to change, amend, collaborate - all with reference to subsidiarity. [post_title] => Erasmus Salon: Are Universities a Hub for Lifelong Learning? [post_excerpt] => On 11 October the European University Foundation (EUF) organised one of their Erasmus Salons at the Maison des Ailes... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => erasmus-salon-are-universities-a-hub-for-lifelong-learning [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-30 16:40:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-30 16:40:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3627 [menu_order] => 218 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3671 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-10-01 08:57:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-10-01 08:57:13 [post_content] => We are happy to announce that the University and the City of Würzburg have signed the Poitiers Declaration. Prof. Dr Alfred Forchel, President of the University of Wurzburg and Mr Christian Schuchardt, Mayor of the City of Würzburg, have signed the document which underlines the importance of strong ties and collaboration between the University and the town in a wide range of policies and defines a collaborative framework for CG Universities and their Municipalities. [post_title] => The University and the City of Würzburg sign the Poitiers Declaration [post_excerpt] => Prof. Dr Alfred Forchel, President of the University of Wurzburg and Mr Christian Schuchardt, Mayor of the City of Würzburg, have signed the Poitiers Declaration. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-university-and-the-city-of-wurzburg-sign-the-poitiers-declaration [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-25 06:40:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-25 06:40:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3671 [menu_order] => 220 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3475 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-28 11:58:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-28 11:58:52 [post_content] => Giovanna FILIPPINI, Head of the International Relations Division, University of Bologna (Chair) Mathieu CRETTENAND, Senior advisor to the Rectorate, University of Geneva Dana SAMSON, Pro-Rector for International Affairs, University of Louvain Universities across Europe have a long tradition of hosting refugee students and scholars. However, the refugee crisis of 2015 called upon more innovative initiatives to preserve access to higher education for those who had to abandon their studies to flee their country. Amongst these initiatives, three comprehensive university preparatory programmes were launched within the Coimbra Group and led to a comparative analysis that was presented at the 2018 EAIE conference in Geneva last September: Unibo4refugees at the University of Bologna; Academic Horizon at the University of Geneva; and Access2University at the University of Louvain. All three programmes share the same goals to help asylum seekers and refugee students access universities, to help them integrate within university communities and to give them the best chances to succeed in their studies. The programmes all incorporate a combination of academic support, language courses, social integration activities and administrative support for the admissions process. In all three cases, a majority of students (65 to 80%) completed the programme. For 2018-19, these programmes now host between 30 and 60 students per university. After three years of experience, we reflected on the facilitating factors that led to the success of these programmes. Undoubtedly, these included: However, we also faced common challenges, the largest being the orientation of refugees towards adapted higher education programmes. Beyond the recognition of previous learning and professional experience (for which several tools are now available), there is a specific need to properly match the refugees’ profile with existing programmes in the host country. Prerequisites are not necessarily the same across countries and refugees are usually not aware of the range of alternative studies available to them. Moreover, there are noticeable differences in academic and learning cultures across countries which require special coaching for learning methods specific to the host country. While discussing our experiences, it was very clear that at the heart of all three programmes there is a strong social and human dimension. Students are given the space to progress at their personal rhythm, to share their experience and to build a whole new life project. Staff members also get to collaborate between them often to a level they never did before. These programmes are thus truly transformative experiences for all involved.   [post_title] => Welcoming Refugees Into Universities [post_excerpt] => Giovanna FILIPPINI, Head of the International Relations Division, University of Bologna (Chair) Mathieu CRETTENAND, Senior advisor to the Rectorate, University of Geneva Dana SAMSON, Pro-Rector for International Affairs, University of Louvain Universities across Europe have a long tradition of hosting refugee... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 3475-2 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-01 08:45:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-01 08:45:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3475 [menu_order] => 221 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3533 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-28 09:36:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-28 09:36:07 [post_content] => The first Summer School in Algebra and Topology took place in Louvain-la-Neuve from 12 to 15 September 2018. This event is part of a joint project of the Université catholique de Louvain with the universities of Coimbra, Padova and Poitiers, funded by the UCLouvain for the period 2018-2020, promoting research collaboration between the universities of the Coimbra Group. The 50 participants of the summer school came from ten countries in Europe and in North America. Among them there were undergraduate and master students in mathematics, PhD students, as well as more experienced researchers. Mme Ana Fernandez-Gacio, coordinator of the international relations in the Science and Technology Sector of UCLouvain, opened the conference with a warm welcome address on Wednesday morning. The interesting mini-courses were given by professors Maria Manuel Clementino (Coimbra), Alberto Facchini (Padova) and Tim Van der Linden (Louvain-la-Neuve), and concerned several subjects of interest in modern algebra and topology (topological algebras, non-associative algebras, monoids, rings and modules). The speakers succeeded in the difficult challenge of making their presentations both accessible to the students and stimulating for the experienced researchers. The programme of the summer school also included a visit of the new university museum MuséeL where its director, Mme Anne Querinjean, gave a thorough explanation on the philosophy and the structure of the museum. After the visit, the informal dinner of the summer school took place in the same nice building hosting the MuséeL. The second edition of this series of summer schools will take place in Louvain-la-Neuve in September 2019.    [post_title] => Summer School in Algebra and Topology [post_excerpt] => Coimbra Group Universities promote research collaboration with Summer School in Algebra and Topology... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-school-in-algebra-and-topology [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-28 13:21:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-28 13:21:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3533 [menu_order] => 222 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3526 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-27 14:58:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-27 14:58:01 [post_content] => The Heritage Working Group is organising the seminar "Conserving the built heritage in Universities: Renovation of Museums, Libraries, Archives and Collections", which will be kindly hosted by the University of Graz on 23 October 2018. Universities are constantly challenged to manage and preserve their heritage built environment, reinventing its use and opening up access to increasingly wider audiences. Major renovation of historical buildings to house or rehouse museums, libraries, archives, collections and other learning activities are amongst the most desirable projects for architects and their teams. The work process involves a set of complex actions and decisions to be taken in advance and during the project development that imply specialized knowledge and experience to attain a successful outcome. The goal of this seminar is to explore, discuss and share key issues around these subjects through the presentation of effective case studies of heritage conservation in Universities: - Conservation versus Access, the impact of tourism on sensitive collections and buildings; - Contemporary needs versus Authenticity, preserving the integrity and authenticity of spaces allowing for contemporary university uses; - Sustainability versus Conservation, preserving the built heritage following sustainable and environmental friendly solutions that may inspire and motivate the community; - University goals versus Conservation, the preservation of memory in historic buildings and sites and the contemporary learning, research and university strategic objectives. The Heritage Working Group will hold their regular meeting the day before the seminar, on 22 October 2018. For further information about the seminar on 23 October, please contact quici@coimbra-group.eu Seminar programme [post_title] => "Conserving the built heritage in Universities" - Graz, 23 October 2018 [post_excerpt] => The Heritage Working Group is organising a seminar on the challenges of managing and conserving our universities’ historic buildings... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => conserving-the-built-heritage-in-universities-graz-23-october-2018 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-19 09:19:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-19 09:19:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3526 [menu_order] => 223 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3491 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-27 12:19:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-27 12:19:02 [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_3504" align="alignleft" width="300"] Opening of the Magna Charta Universitatum conference by Rector Ricardo Ribero and Rector Pilar Aranda[/caption] The Executive Board Chair, Ludovic Thilly, represented the Coimbra Group at the conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum, in Salamanca on 17 and 18 September 2018, coinciding with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the University of Salamanca where the Coimbra Group held its annual conference last May. The focus of the conference was “University values in a changing world”, and it gathered about 250 Rectors from 50 countries and 5 continents. The two-day programme recalled the values at the foundation of our Universities and reflected on the crucial role universities play in the development of society. [caption id="attachment_3493" align="alignright" width="300"] Rector Ricardo Ribero and Executive Board Chair, Ludovic Thilly, presenting the Coimbra Group to the King of Spain, Felipe VI, and the Queen, Letizia Ortiz[/caption] On Monday 17 September, the conference was opened by the Rector of the University of Salamanca, Prof. Ricardo Ribero and by the Rector of the University of Granada, Prof. Pilar Aranda, who both emphasized the historical and societal roles of their multi-centenary universities, reflecting the role of the Coimbra Group Universities. On this occasion, and after consulting the Rectors from our member institutions, Ludovic Thilly presented how “Coimbra Group Universities are responding to the changing world, keeping their values”, through concrete initiatives promoting Magna Charta principles: - The University is an autonomous institution, transcending geographical and political frontiers - The University is the trustee of the Humanism tradition -  The University serves Society and spreads Culture and Knowledge - The University rejects intolerance and is open to dialogue - Research and Teaching are inseparable, must be morally and intellectually independent and remain under the seal of freedom   [caption id="attachment_3492" align="alignleft" width="300"] Academic procession in the streets of Salamanca, led by Rector Ricardo Ribero, Rector Francesco Ubertini and Rector Pilar Aranda[/caption] The conference also saw the launch of the Living Values Guidelines, which have been piloted by 10 universities in 9 different countries. More details can be found here. It was also announced that the Magna Charta Universitatum is going to be reviewed with a new version to be launched in September 2020. On Tuesday 18 September, 70 new Universities joined the list of Magna Charta signatories. This ceremony was followed by very moving speeches by Rector Ricardo Ribero, Salamanca, and Rector Francesco Ubertini, Bologna, in the presence of the King of Spain, Felipe VI, who also recalled the urgent need to support academic freedom, integrity, tolerance and dialogue not only within universities, but also within society at large. [caption id="attachment_3498" align="alignright" width="300"] Ceremony on Plaza Mayor, in front of Salamanca City Hall[/caption] The ceremony was closed by a magnificent and colourful academic procession from the University to the City Hall, where all participants were welcomed by the Mayor of Salamanca. In 1988, at launch of the Magna Charta Universitatum, the Coimbra Group was present and, thirty years later, it was again very much involved in the event with speeches from several Coimbra Group Rectors and the Executive Board Chair, as a testimony to the importance of academic values in the foundation of the Coimbra Group. This continued importance is also embodied in the recent launch of the Poitiers Declaration, promoting the link between Universities and their cities, and more globally with Society: on this topic, the Coimbra Group will organise a high-level workshop in Brussels in early 2019 in collaboration with the European Parliament (more information soon).    

Åbo Akademi University signs Magna Charta Universitatum

[caption id="attachment_3507" align="alignright" width="169"] Rector Mikko Hupa and EB Chair Ludovic Thilly[/caption] The Rector of Åbo Akademi University, Mikko Hupa, signed the Magna Charta Universitatum on the 18th of September, together with 72 other signatories. The 30th Anniversary of the Observatory of the Magna Charta Universitatum took place within the framework of the VIII Centenary of the University of Salamanca. “Until today the deepest values of university traditions have been taken more or less for granted, such as the freedom of research and training, integrity and the independence of political authority and economic power. Today Magna Charta Universitatum as well as universities are more important than ever. The challenges of the universities are among others economical cuts in higher education and research, political actions against universities in several countries, Brexit and nationalistic tendencies”, says Rector Hupa. More information in Swedish can be read here.  
[post_title] => 30th Anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum [post_excerpt] => The Executive Board Chair, Ludovic Thilly, represented the Coimbra Group at the conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum, coinciding with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the University of Salamanca [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 30th-anniversary-of-the-magna-charta-universitatum [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-27 13:22:47 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-27 13:22:47 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3491 [menu_order] => 224 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3511 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-27 09:55:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-27 09:55:31 [post_content] => On 12 September, the European Parliament triggered Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union (below), based on Hungary’s breach of the European Union’s values. It is the first time Article 7 has been triggered by the European Parliament. The preceding procedure has three steps: informing a Member State of policies seen as a ‘clear risk of serious breach’, then identifying if there is a ‘serious and persistent breach’, and if this is the case, then the Members State’s rights can be suspended, including the right to vote. It is a rare occurrence, but in 2017 it happened to Poland (judicial reforms); other countries have been debated – Austria (Freedom Party breach of values), France (expulsion of the Roma), Romania (political struggle between president and prime minister) and last year Hungary – but so, far only Hungary has “advanced” beyond the ‘serious and persistent breach’ to the third stage where the European Parliament recommends suspension. The Executive Board and the CG Office have been monitoring developments over the past many months, both in connection with the situation around the Central European University (CEU) and with developments in higher education and universities in general in Hungary. The Hungarian government’s most recent intervention in academia has been to withdraw funding and accreditation from gender studies, affecting our member university, ELTE, and the CEU, the latter also forced to immediately suspend their courses for registered refugees and asylum seekers because of a special tax of 25% on all immigration-related programmes. EUA secretary-general Lesley Wilson’s The Guardian commentary on 6 September refer to these latest clamp-downs on universities in Hungary. For anyone wanting to explore the European Union’s values, Article 2 of the Treaty reads as follows: The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.  

[post_title] => The situation in Hungary – European Parliament resolution 12 September 2018 [post_excerpt] => On 12 September, the European Parliament triggered Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union (below), based on Hungary’s breach of the European Union’s values. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-situation-in-hungary-european-parliament-resolution-12-september-2018 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-27 15:26:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-27 15:26:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3511 [menu_order] => 225 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3452 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-26 10:09:12 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-26 10:09:12 [post_content] => Six months after the successful training course organised by members of the Development Cooperation Working Group (Universities of Bologna, Granada and Vilnius) in Myanmar (see the March edition of the CG newsletter), the Coimbra Group was back in Myanmar, this time within the framework of the Erasmus+ capacity building project CHINLONE - Connecting Higher education Institutions for a New Leadership on National Education. The Coimbra Group Office attended the second project meeting and public conference together with the universities of Uppsala, Granada, Mandalay, Yangoon, Yezin Agricultural University, Yangoon University of Economics, Dagon University and the Ministry of Education of Myanmar, under the coordination of the University of Bologna. The project meeting was held back-to-back with a public conference geared towards senior management staff at higher education institutions in Myanmar. The first day was devoted to the consortium meeting, during which we validated the preliminary report on Myanmar’s Higher Education reform which focused on the areas of academic governance, teaching activities, research and international relations. The following day was devoted to the public conference “Reforming Higher Education: a Lesson from the Bologna Process”, which was attended, in addition to the project partners, by over 90 higher education institutions in Myanmar, the country’s Minister of Education, the Director General of Myanmar’s Department of Higher Education, the Deputy Head of Cooperation from the EU delegation to Myanmar, and the Italian designated Ambassador. Participants discussed the Bologna Process and its tools and how these can be relevant for Myanmar, standards and guidelines for quality assurance, curriculum development and design of degree programmes, generic competences, data collection and student involvement. The conference was followed by a workshop aimed at addressing the conference themes in a hands-on manner through group work and simulations. A special thanks goes to Loreta Skurvydaite (Vilnius University) and Joaquim Ramos de Carvalho (University of Coimbra), member of the CG Executive Board, for representing the Coimbra Group at the conference and providing their expertise on the Bologna Process and curriculum development. For further information about the CHINLONE project: https://site.unibo.it/chinlone/it [post_title] => The CG back in Myanmar with CHINLONE project [post_excerpt] => Six months after the successful training course organised by members of the Development Cooperation Working Group in Myanmar, the Coimbra Group was back in the country's capital Naypyidaw... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => the-cg-back-in-myanmar-with-chinlone-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-28 13:23:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-28 13:23:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3452 [menu_order] => 227 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3417 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-20 14:17:06 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-20 14:17:06 [post_content] => The Coimbra Group Office is an active partner in the project ICMED - “International Credit Mobility: A New Challenge in the Mediterranean Region” -Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 2 Capacity Building in Higher Education. The project aims at strengthening the capacity of Higher Education staff in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to deal with Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility & International Mobility programmes in general, through the implementation of a comprehensive Training Programme. By fostering information and best practices sharing the project is expected to contribute towards an innovative, effective and efficient management of International Credit Mobility in the MENA region. Within this framework, the Coimbra Group is looking for an expert trainer in ICM (International Credit Mobility) among its members. The selected trainer will deal with the 3rd training week foreseen by the project ICMED (26-28 November 2018). We are looking forward to receiving applications from Coimbra Group members. The deadline is 10th October 2018. Read the complete call [post_title] => Coimbra Group Call for trainer – ICMED Project [post_excerpt] => The Coimbra Group Office is an active partner in the project ICMED - “International Credit Mobility: A New Challenge in the Mediterranean Region” Erasmus+ Programme. The Coimbra Group is looking for an expert trainer in ICM (International Credit Mobility) among its members. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => coimbra-group-call-for-trainer-icmed-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-20 14:21:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-20 14:21:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3417 [menu_order] => 228 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3469 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-10 10:22:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-10 10:22:49 [post_content] => The Erasmus+ capacity building project YEBO!, the focus of which is the internationalisation of PhD studies at South African universities, has just published a state-of-the-art report on PhD internationalisation activities of the universities that are part of the project consortium: University of Montpellier (coordinator),  Ghent University, Technische Universitat Berlin, University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, Tshwane University of Technology, Stellenbosch University, Vilniaus Gedimino Technikos Universitetas, Central University of Technology - Free State, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Uppsala University, University of Western Cape. The report is available here. The Coimbra Group is a partner in the project, together with two other associations: Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Developpement (CIRAD) and the European University Association (EUA). For further information about the YEBO! project: http://yebo.edu.umontpellier.fr/   [post_title] => News from YEBO! project [post_excerpt] => The Erasmus+ capacity building project YEBO!, on the internationalisation of PhD studies at South African universities, has just published a report on PhD internationalisation activities of the universities partners in the project. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => news-from-yebo-project [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-26 14:01:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-26 14:01:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3469 [menu_order] => 229 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3481 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-09-07 13:54:09 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-09-07 13:54:09 [post_content] => We are pleased to announce that on 7 September, during a ceremony hosted by Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, the Rector-in-charge, Professor Mihaela Onofrei and the Mayor of Iaşi, Mr Mihai Chirica (a graduate of the University) signed the Poitiers Declaration. The city of Iaşi, which has a close cooperation relationship with the University in numerous projects and activities, has thus formally endorsed the Declaration, which had already been signed by the University in 2016. More about the Poitiers Declaration here. [post_title] => Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and City of Iaşi sign the Poitiers Declaration [post_excerpt] => The Rector-in-charge of Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Prof. Mihaela Onofrei and the Mayor of Iasi, Mr Mihai Chirica, signed the Poitiers Declaration on 7 September. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => alexandru-ioan-cuza-university-and-city-of-iasi-sign-the-poitiers-declaration [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-28 13:22:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-28 13:22:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3481 [menu_order] => 230 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [11] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3345 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-08-31 10:49:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-08-31 10:49:34 [post_content] => By the Coimbra Group Executive Board We concluded the July Newsletter editorial with the observation that “the 2017-2018 academic year was another busy year for Higher Education and Research advocacy, and 2018-2019 promises to be even more intense”. And indeed, within the next twelve months we will see the final discussion rounds and decisions on the two major European programmes Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the launch of the pilot phase of the already well advertised European Universities Alliances and, of course, the all-important elections for a new European Parliament in May 2019 and the appointment of a new European Commission for the following five years. Over the past year, all Coimbra Group actors have been involved in the preparation of these important programmes and initiatives: members of the Executive Board have participated in a large number of stakeholder meetings to make the voice of Coimbra Group universities heard, resulting in a series of Coimbra Group interventions and joint actions with other major European university associations. The Coimbra Group Working Groups have also been strongly involved in the analysis of the next European programmes and the preparation of our statements. The Executive Board has also intensified the dialogue with the Rectors’ Advisory Group in order to refine the Coimbra Group priorities and better meet our members’ expectations. For instance, at the occasion of the annual conference at the University of Salamanca in May 2018, the Rectors’ Advisory Group and Executive Board members reflected together on “Where do we see the Coimbra Group in 2030?”. Building on all these initiatives, the Executive Board defined the following strategic priorities for 2018-2019 during its June 2018 meeting: 1) increase Coimbra Group advocacy activities, in particular regarding 2) strengthen Coimbra Group engagement with society and, in particular, with students. The first series of priorities will translate into several events, one of the most important being the fourth high-level research policy seminar for Rectors on Horizon Europe and the “Defining and measuring impact of research: an inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral approach”. This event will take place on 6 and 7 December 2018, at the Venice International University on the island of San Servolo in the Venice Lagoon (more info here). The second series of priorities will be supported by a high-level workshop to be organised in Brussels in early 2019 in collaboration with the European Parliament, on the Poitiers Declaration and University-City relations. The 2019 annual conference, organized by the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, will also foster important debate on gender equality with “Women in the University” as the topic for its public conference. The Executive Board members are looking forward to exchanging views and opinions with you on all these important topics, and at the same time we wish you a rich and fruitful new academic year! EB members: Ludovic Thilly, Executive Board Chair Jürgen Barkhoff Danny Donoghue Johnny Laursen Dorota Malec Joaquim Ramos de Carvalho Lenka Rovna Efrem Yildiz Sadak Luca Verzichelli [post_title] => 2018-2019, a crucial year for European Higher Education, Research and Innovation [post_excerpt] => By the Coimbra Group Executive Board We concluded the July newsletter editorial with the observation that “the 2017-2018 academic year was another busy year... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 2018-2019-a-crucial-year-for-european-higher-education-research-and-innovation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-20 11:27:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-20 11:27:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3345 [menu_order] => 232 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [12] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3169 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-31 16:13:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-31 16:13:17 [post_content] => By Ludovic Thilly University of Poitiers, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board The European scene of Research and Innovation (R&I) has been particularly rich during the months of June and July this year, months that will be crucial for the future of R&I in Europe in the coming years. On 7 June, the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation of the ninth framework programme for R&I, Horizon Europe, with a proposed budget of €97.6 billion. On 15 June, 14 European associations representing universities, among them the Coimbra Group, reacted with a joint statement asking the European Parliament and the European Council to support “Horizon Europe” and to incorporate the necessary changes to ensure that it will fulfil the EU’s ambitions (read the full statement “Universities united for the best Horizon Europe” here). The European Parliament has appointed MEP Dan Nica, former deputy prime minister of Romania and a member of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats, as the Rapporteur on the overall regulation and rules of participation of “Horizon Europe”. Mr Nica invited European university associations to attend an open debate on “Horizon Europe” on 26 June, in the presence of Carlos Moedas (Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation), Ciprian Preda (Romania’s Deputy Minister for Research and Innovation) and Jean-Eric Paquet (Director-General, DG RTD, European Commission). The Coimbra Group was present at this debate and noted that Mr Nica’s report would be published in early July, with a deadline for final amendments on 6 September, and with a public hearing on “Horizon Europe” on 8 October. On 29 June, the Coimbra Group and twelve other European university associations sent a series of amendments to the draft regulation of “Horizon Europe” to MEP Dan Nica (read the proposed amendments here). On 9 July, the draft report from Mr Nica was published (this report can be downloaded here): in addition to the technical amendments that will not be detailed here (except the ones regarding the budget – pp. 60-66 – and the ones related to the participation rules proposing to include EFTA countries such as Switzerland – page 80), this report closes with an “explanatory statement” that is particularly worth reading. Mr Nica states that “Horizon Europe should be simpler, clearer and more accessible and that it should promote fair and transparent participation” and “welcomes the fact that Horizon Europe maintains the same 3-Pillar structure as Horizon 2020. However, he is of the opinion Pillars II and III (based on TLR levels) are not always clearly described and not well substantiated. Pillar II, for example, introduces the concept of Missions but the text remains rather vague. The same applies to Pillar III. It introduces the new European Innovation Council (EIC) without a proper description of its activities. This, notwithstanding the fact that the EIC is considered as a political priority and it is given a large share of Horizon Europe budget”. The Rapporteur is “also concerned that fundamental research and academia have received limited attention. He has therefore tabled several amendments to redress this”. Mr Nica also calls for “a more appropriate budget” (“120 billion Euros in constant price”), “stronger fundamental and collaborative research” among many other important statements. These opinions surely reflect that Mr Nica took our proposed amendments into consideration while preparing his report. Let us hope that the European Parliament, European Council and European Commission will support Mr Nica’s views. This unprecedented joint action from European university associations has certainly measured up to the challenge, and the Coimbra Group will continue to support similar common advocacy activities to the benefit of all European higher education and research institutions. We remain convinced that a global increase of the budget for “Horizon Europe” is mandatory and more specifically, the first pillar, including the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions and the European Research Council, should be significantly strengthened to multiply the impact on early career researchers and, more globally, on the European Research Area. Moreover, we are still concerned about the lack of definition, in spite of a generous budget, of the European Innovation Council and we are ready to engage in discussions with the European Commission on this subject to guarantee that universities will have a significant role in the future implementation of the Programme. All these issues will be discussed in the coming months and, hence, the Coimbra Group has decided to focus its forthcoming bi-annual high-level research policy seminar for Rectors on “Horizon Europe” and, in particular, on “Defining and measuring impact of research: an inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral approach”. This event will take place on 6 and 7 December 2018, at the Venice International University on the island of San Servolo in the Venice Lagoon (more info here). Last be not least, the second hot topic is on the European Higher Education scene, the “European Universities” initiative launched by the European Commission and currently in its preparatory phase with a call for proposals to be published in October 2018. Once again, the Coimbra Group is following developments by participating at stakeholder meetings: on 2 July, we were present at a meeting in Paris, at the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, where Ms Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit Higher Education at the Directorate-General Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, presented the recent evolution of the initiative: read the report here. In conclusion, the 2017-2018 academic year was another busy year for Higher Education and Research advocacy, and 2018-2019 promises to be even more intense … For this reason, the Executive Board and I wish you all a peaceful and restful summer! [post_title] => An unprecedented collective action for an unprecedented Research and Innovation European Framework Programme [post_excerpt] => By Ludovic Thilly University of Poitiers, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board The European scene of Research and Innovation (R&I) has been particularly rich... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => an-unprecedented-collective-action-for-an-unprecedented-research-and-innovation-european-framework-programme [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-09-20 11:27:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-09-20 11:27:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3169 [menu_order] => 233 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [13] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3158 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-25 15:47:57 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-25 15:47:57 [post_content] => By Prof. Ludovic Thilly, University of Poitiers, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board On 2 July 2018, at the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in Paris, Ms Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit Higher Education at the Directorate-General Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, made a presentation on the European Commission’s “European Universities” initiative (the presentation can be downloaded only by CG members from our intranet) where the latest developments of the initiative were presented. After the presentation, Ms Debiais-Sainton responded to the many questions from the audience. Among the most important pieces of information are: Vanessa Debiais-Sainton recognised that unfortunately the success rate will be very low, especially in the first call of the pilot phase, but she is still hoping for additional financial support from more Member States. On 3 and 4 July, the Erasmus+ Committee met in Brussels to discuss and validate the 2019 Erasmus+ Annual Work Programme and communicated that “[it] agreed [today] to move forward with European Universities”. As expected, this Work Programme includes the first call of the pilot phase of the European Universities initiative under the Knowledge Alliances framework (the full document can be downloaded from the CG intranet - members only), with a paragraph on European Universities on pages 54-55): the main new information is the “Award criteria”, where “Geographical balance (maximum 15 points)” is now included in addition to the classical criteria of “Relevance of the proposal (maximum 25 points), Quality of the proposal and implementation (maximum 20 points), Quality of the cooperation arrangements (maximum 20 points), Sustainability and dissemination (maximum 20 points)”. The Coimbra Group remains mobilised to advocate the interests of its member universities. Moreover, the Executive Board is currently reflecting on the implementation of specific activities that could support member universities involved in alliances, based on the accumulated experience and expertise developed within our network over the past 33 years, in the fields of higher education and research policy reforms. [post_title] => Report on meeting “European Universities initiative”, Paris, 2 July 2018 [post_excerpt] => Ms Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit Higher Education at DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, made a presentation on the “European Universities” initiative... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => report-on-meeting-european-universities-initiative-paris-2-july-2018 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-08-01 09:32:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-08-01 09:32:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3158 [menu_order] => 234 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [14] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3113 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-19 15:40:37 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-19 15:40:37 [post_content] => Since 2013, the Coimbra Group has organised high-level policy seminars on research to address current issues in European research policy of key importance to member universities and to the European research community. The high-level policy seminars have been organised in collaboration with the Venice International University based on the Isola di San Servolo, Venice. The high-level policy seminars are intended as a forum for informal dialogue between university rectors, stakeholders and key decision makers in European research policy. The theme chosen by the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group for this year is “Defining and measuring impact of research: an inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral approach”. The rationale is based on the increasing importance of research impact assessment currently observed in national, European and international research programmes, and expected to increase further in the future, in particular within the ninth European Research and Innovation Framework Programme, Horizon Europe, and associated Open Science policies. At the high-level seminar, we aim at gathering Coimbra Group rectors and experts from the field to reflect on the current state of research impact definitions and associated indicators, considering the different disciplines, sectors and viewpoints of involved funding bodies. A specific focus will be on one of the recent developments in research policy, i.e. the introduction of a mission-oriented approach and its impact on Research and Innovation practices in general. The seminar will be composed of four main sessions: the first will aim at providing information on the latest developments in FP9 and mission-oriented research, while the second and third sessions will focus on inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral definitions and assessments of research impact. The last session will introduce case studies on how to develop a research impact culture at universities. Among the invited key note speakers and discussants are key stakeholders in European research policy, representatives from European institutions, leading researchers and policy officers from member universities, rectors from member universities as well as representatives from other European university networks. As at earlier high-level policy seminar, the 2018 event will be attended by Rectors and Vice Rectors for Research at our member universities from all over Europe together with their senior research support officers. It is intended to offer senior representatives at our member universities a forum for discussion of issues arising from the design and implementation of the Horizon Europe. High-Level Seminar programme   [post_title] => Coimbra Group High-Level Seminar on Research Policy, San Servolo, 6-7 December 2018 [post_excerpt] => Since 2013, the Coimbra Group has organised high-level policy seminars on research to address current issues in European research policy of key importance to member universities and... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => coimbra-group-high-level-seminar-on-research-policy-san-servolo-6-7-december-2018 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-11-29 10:00:09 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-11-29 10:00:09 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3113 [menu_order] => 235 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [15] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3175 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-18 12:14:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-18 12:14:20 [post_content] => Among the many honorary degrees conferred this year, some European highlights were: Click here for a full overview of the 2018 honorary degrees conferred by the University of Edinburgh.   [post_title] => University of Edinburgh confer honorary degrees on European research and education trailblazers and guardians [post_excerpt] => Among the many honorary degrees conferred this year, some European highlights were Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Michael Ignatieff, Alan Smith and Hywel Ceri Jones... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => university-of-edinburgh-confer-honorary-degrees-on-european-research-and-education-trailblazers-and-guardians [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-07-31 14:46:40 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-07-31 14:46:40 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3175 [menu_order] => 236 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [16] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3089 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-17 14:43:33 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-17 14:43:33 [post_content] => The first Coimbra Group Summer School on European Multilingualism took place from 7 to 14 July at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. This initiative, organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA107, brought together 26 students and 17 staff members from CG Universities and universities in the Western Balkans with the aim of exploring innovative approaches to language teaching and learning. This was an initiative of the Development Cooperation Working Group, which identified the University of Novi Sad as the institution with whom many CG Universities already cooperate. The Chair of the Development Cooperation Working Group, Filippo Sartor (University of Bologna), presented the Coimbra Group and the activities of the Development Cooperation Working Group at the official opening of the Summer School on 7 July. The programme of the Summer School consisted of various modules combining both theory and practice, with multilingual and multicultural approaches to language teaching and learning being accompanied by workshops on translation. There were four groups of languages: French-Serbian, German-Serbian, Italian-Serbian, Spanish-Serbian. In addition to these languages, participants were offered the opportunity to learn about Less Widely Used and Lesser Taught languages (LWULT) and their important role in keeping language diversity and the world’s multilingual heritage. Two LWULT Workshops offered were on Hebrew and Modern Greek. The outcomes of the Summer Schools have extended well beyond its pedagogical purposes, as not only has it provided participating staff and students with useful pedagogic tools, it has also contributed to supporting foreign languages teaching and learning in the Western Balkans and helped students and staff experience internationalisation at home. The participating staff from Coimbra Group Universities said that this close collaboration with the staff from the University of Novi Sad has enabled them to observe and understand the concrete needs and the issues faced by the host university’s staff when it comes to modernisation and internationalisation of the curriculum. They found this experience very fulfilling and they would be in favour of repeating it in 2019, possibly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We would like to thank: And a special thanks goes to Sanja Bosković, Associate Professor in language and civilization at the University of Poitiers and Vice-Chair of the Development Cooperation Working Group, for the coordination of this successful Summer School. Coimbra Group Summer School on European Multilingualism - Programme [post_title] => CG Summer School on European Multilingualism [post_excerpt] => The first Coimbra Group Summer School on European Multilingualism took place from 7 to 14 July at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. This initiative brought together 26 students and 17 staff members from CG Universities and universities in the Western Balkans... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => cg-summer-school-on-european-multilingualism [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-07-17 14:47:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-07-17 14:47:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3089 [menu_order] => 237 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [17] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3079 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-16 15:47:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-16 15:47:05 [post_content] => Partners and stakeholders gathered at the European Parliament to discuss the proposal for Erasmus Student Mobility under the new Erasmus programme for 2021-2027, in a meeting organised by the European Parliament’s Youth Intergroup and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). On 30 May, the Commission adopted its proposal for the next Erasmus programme, with a doubling of the budget to 30 billion euros for the period 2021-2027. Building on the success of Erasmus+, the next programme will provide learning and mobility opportunities to 12 million people, in comparison to 4 million people in the current programme. The Erasmus programme will continue to cover schools, vocational education and training, higher education and adult learning - youth and sport, but in a more streamlined manner. The proposal for the future Erasmus+ programme aims at reaching 3 times more students than Erasmus+, with a double budget. Although globally considered positive, many concerns were raised to the proposal, especially in what concerns budget, considered insufficient for such an ambitious proposal. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, head of unit at DG EAC, informed that the discussion with stakeholders would continue in order to give input to the final proposal. The European Commission wants to simplify procedures and foster new mobility opportunities with new formats (blended/virtual mobility). Inclusion is also key for the future programme, as well as the outreach for the global society (by volunteering, engagement with local society). The EC representative expects that the European Universities initiative will boost new models of cooperation. The links with other funding programmes was also considered a positive aspect of the new proposal. The Erasmus Sudent Network reffered to the 13 recommendations of the Erasmus Upgrade Manifesto, published at the end of April, which intends to suggest improvement to the successor of the Erasmus+ Programme (2021-2027). [post_title] => What Erasmus for 2021-2027? [post_excerpt] => Partners and stakeholders gathered at the European Parliament to discuss the proposal for Erasmus Student Mobility under the new Erasmus programme for 2021-2027 [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => what-erasmus-for-2021-2027 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-07-16 15:47:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-07-16 15:47:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3079 [menu_order] => 238 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [18] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3061 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-11 15:50:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-11 15:50:36 [post_content] => The Executive Board of the Coimbra Group would like to express its full support for the statement issued by the European University Association (EUA) on 10 July 2018 about the situation faced by the higher education community in Turkey. Academic freedom and fundamental values promoted by the Magna Charta Universitatum are at the core of Coimbra Group values: the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group calls on all members of the higher education international community to stand against the repeated and unacceptable acts towards our Turkish colleagues. Read the statement issued by the European University Association (EUA)   [post_title] => Executive Board Statement on academic freedom in Turkey [post_excerpt] => The Executive Board of the Coimbra Group would like to express its full support for the statement issued by the European University Association about the situation faced by the higher education community in Turkey [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => executive-board-statement-on-academic-freedom-in-turkey [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-01 11:28:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-01 11:28:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3061 [menu_order] => 239 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [19] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3041 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-07-10 14:07:15 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-07-10 14:07:15 [post_content] =>

St. Wenceslas rotunda at Charles University obtained prestigious EU Prize!

St. Wenceslas Romanesque rotunda (which dates back to the late 11th century) situated inside a one of the buildings of Charles University and newly discovered during the construction works in 2004, obtained the EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2018 in the Conservation Cathegory. [caption id="attachment_3042" align="alignleft" width="300"] St Wenceslas rotunda
photo: Martin Frouz[/caption] The jury appreciated “The display of the archaeological layers and the efforts in presenting and interpreting these remains. The project is an example of good in situ preservation”. The finds are now accessible via a footbridge complete with lighting and steps, and a replica of the original floor was laid on one side of the nave. There is installed a new multimedia exhibition for the visitors as well. Watch the video.

Charles University acquired rare medieval documents

In the last days of June 2018 Charles University acquired two documents of enormous historic significance dating back to the founding of the university in Prague 670 years ago. Both documents outline the history of the founding of the university in Prague; they date back to the university’s very beginnings. Both were issued between 1347 and 1348 and prepared the ground for the university’s founding. [caption id="attachment_3050" align="alignright" width="300"] Medieval documents
photo: Vladimír Šigut[/caption] The first document is a papal letter is from Pope Clement VI (dated 26 January 1347); the second parchment is a notarial act, written at the behest of the Prague metropolitan chapter. The papal letter of 26 January 1347 is written on Italian parchment and is in good condition. It is furnished with an attached leaden papal seal, with a depiction of the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul on the obverse side, while the reverse contains the name of Pope Clement VI, who was the tutor of the future king and emperor Charles IV. during his sojourn at the Parisian royal court. The letter states that in response to Charles’s petition, Pope Clement VI granted his consent for the foundation of a university in Prague. Both medieval documents will no doubt be the subject of considerable study, with follow-up findings or publications in the future. For more information please visit this page.     [post_title] => News from Charles University Prague [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => news-from-charles-university-prague [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-07-10 14:48:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-07-10 14:48:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3041 [menu_order] => 240 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 20 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 3627 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2018-10-16 14:43:59 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-10-16 14:43:59 [post_content] => [caption id="attachment_3628" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo: European University Foundation[/caption] On 11 October the European University Foundation (EUF) organised one of their Erasmus Salons at the Maison des Ailes, a Brussels institution founded by the Belgian pilots who flew for the RAF in the UK under the Second World War. The Coimbra Group was invited to provide a speaker together with a representative from the Lifelong Learning Platform, an umbrella organisation for 43 European organisations active in the field of education, training and youth. The EUF organise evening talks like this at various cafés and pubs to raise awareness of developments in European higher education. The theme for the 11 October evening was “Are Universities a Hub for Lifelong Learning?” and after the introductions there was a lively debate. Of course, universities are hubs for lifelong learning, it is what they have always been although they would call it something different – research, perhaps? But that is probably not what the concept of “lifelong learning” stands for. The provision of opportunities for everybody to benefit from learning opportunities throughout their lives is not the remit of universities, but national education providers. The only European programme offering support to activities in lifelong learning is the Erasmus Programme, even at some point in its 30-year-old life called the “LLL – Lifelong Learning Programme”. As the bulk of the funding over the decades has gone to universities, it is no wonder that some think they should offer more in terms of lifelong learning for everybody, but this is the wrong way at looking at the reality behind the funding schemes of the European Commission.  When the Erasmus Programme started, the European Commission went to the universities – they are autonomous, not state regulated as the rest of the education systems. The Treaty of the European Union does not encompass education so all non-university, non-autonomous activities at EU level needs to be adopted within the limits of subsidiarity. For as long as individual Member States do not provide learning opportunities for all throughout their lives, there is nothing a European Union programme can do. The hope is, of course, that the good example of the universities that secured the Erasmus Programme had lift-off and success, would rub off on other sectors of the education systems. Could this happen? It seems the European Commission has made this even more difficult for themselves than before by de-centralising the administration and evaluation of the Programme to the national agencies and national offices, something that can only exacerbate the already existing situation with individual national education systems unwilling to change, amend, collaborate - all with reference to subsidiarity. [post_title] => Erasmus Salon: Are Universities a Hub for Lifelong Learning? [post_excerpt] => On 11 October the European University Foundation (EUF) organised one of their Erasmus Salons at the Maison des Ailes... [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => erasmus-salon-are-universities-a-hub-for-lifelong-learning [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2018-10-30 16:40:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2018-10-30 16:40:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://8x5u1afioi.preview.infomaniak.website/?p=3627 [menu_order] => 218 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 421 [max_num_pages] => 22 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => 1 [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => 1 [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => 1 [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 82a010fe7af49cbe257a33b5cb8fc713 [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) [query_cache_key:WP_Query:private] => wp_query:b3784832a70dd25c3ea4d9ed1ee21244:0.86574200 17473715030.28354200 1747371504 )