35 Years of Building Bridges Across European Capitals – What has changed?

24 January 2025 | From UNICA

35 Years of Building Bridges Across European Capitals – What has changed?

The 24th of January is a truly significant date for UNICA. It marks the International Day of Education – a celebration of the very foundation of our mission – and the anniversary of UNICA’s foundation. This year is particularly momentous as we celebrate 35 years of fostering collaboration and innovation among universities in European capitals.

Over the past 35 years, UNICA has grown from a group of 15 universities to a community of 54 institutions committed to cooperation, with the shared vision of advancing the European Higher Education and Research Areas by fostering collaboration and innovation across borders. This milestone is also an opportunity to celebrate the broader societal developments that have shaped and been influenced by our work. From the expansion of European integration to the growing recognition of Education and Research as pillars of progress, UNICA has been a proud bridge-builder, fostering connections that embody our theme: “35 Years of Building Bridges Across European Capitals.”

Even though there is a long way to grow, let us recall a few positive changes in International Higher Education in all these years:

Increased Gender Diversity

According to data from the European University Association, the proportion of female rectors within its member universities increased by 73% between 2014 and 2022. UNICA began as an all-male group of Rectors, but today, nine women lead institutions in the network, representing nearly 17% of its membership. While there is still much work to be done to achieve gender parity, the words of one female Rector inspire hope: “I have never thought of any of my work as female Rector specifically.” True progress lies in transcending such labels and fostering leadership based on work and vision.

Accelerated Digital Transformation

Internet connection was still a novelty when UNICA was founded. Over the past 35 years, we have witnessed a remarkable evolution, from limited digital tools to a world where online learning, virtual classrooms, and digital resources are integral to Higher Education. This transformation has revolutionized how universities teach, learn, and collaborate, enabling global connections and expanding access to education. Did you know that in 1999 UNICA sent a copy of the first newsletter via regular mail to its member universities? Today, our digital monthly newsletter reaches an audience of over 1,700 contacts!

Greater Focus on Inclusivity

Over the past 35 years, universities have increasingly adopted programs and policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These initiatives aim to provide underrepresented groups with better access to Higher Education, support marginalised communities, and foster environments where every student and staff member feels valued and empowered. UNICA’s commitment to the concepts of equality, diversity and inclusion as core values of the network dates back to 2005, when the General Assembly adopted a Mission Statement on Equal Opportunities, signed on the occasion of the network’s 15th anniversary. UNICA’s further engaged in actively promoting inclusion and championing sustainability through several EU-funded projects (e.g., RUMI, MappED, Academic Refuge, HousErasmus+, SAVES and SAVES 2).

Enhanced Global Collaboration

Higher Education has embraced stronger international partnerships, with programs like Erasmus+ undoubtedly revolutionising the European landscape. These collaborations have deepened cultural understanding, strengthened global networks, and allowed institutions to share resources and expertise. Collaboration within the European continent has been and remains one of our priorities. Just one year after UNICA was created, the General Assembly decided to open the UNICA membership to universities from EFTA and Central Eastern Europe countries, as from 1992. Eötvös Loránd University Budapest (Hungary) and the University of Warsaw (Poland) are the first institutions from Central and Eastern Europe to join the Network, in 1993. Today, our network goes as far as Georgia and Azerbaijan, and we remain committed to advocating for a collaborative and integrative approach to science.

Increased Commitment to Research Advancements

Research has evolved significantly, with greater emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and cross-border initiatives. European frameworks, such as Horizon Europe, have supported collaborative research addressing global challenges, from climate change to digital innovation, bringing institutions together in the pursuit of transformative solutions. Perhaps one of the most important marks in this area is the shared commitment to reforming research assessment, which got stronger in the last years. Just in the end of 2022, more than 360 organizations, including UNICA, became signatories of “The Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment” and members of the associated Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). Today, the initiative counts with over 700 members, all committed to maximise the quality and impact of research through an emphasis on qualitative judgement in assessment.

Deepened Societal Engagement

We’ve witnessed universities shifting their role from being primarily centers of knowledge dissemination and research to becoming active agents of change, prioritizing their role in addressing societal challenges. From climate change to public health, Higher Education institutions are leveraging research, education, and innovation to foster partnerships that drive sustainable development and benefit communities both locally and globally. As the field keeps evolving, one of the most prolific voices in the sector, Hans de Wit, is clear: “Internationalisation must be internationalisation for society“. An imperative that was on our minds when, in 2021, we reviewed our mission and vision to include a commitment to “(…) to unlock their [the member universities] full potential, putting knowledge, research, and innovation at the service of the needs of our societies and of the coming generations.”

📷 Thumbnail: Detail of the foundational document of the UNICA Network with signatures of the founders.
📷 In the article: Comparative slide depicting a picture of the leaders of the universities that founded the network (1990), with a photo from UNICA latest General Assembly (2024).


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