The JKU has successfully completed its Fast Track to Integration program within the EC²U Alliance, marking a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a fully integrated member of this prestigious educational European network. Led by local coordinators Manfred Heublein, Andrea Steiner-Cardell and Adriana Estrada along with senior faculty members, the JKU delegation engaged in a series of collaborative visits to six partner universities across Europe. These visits have not only fostered deeper connections and served as opportunities to share information and experiences, but also highlighted the EC²U’s unified, unwavering commitment to supporting and advancing lifelong learning, doctoral programs, digital education, and sustainability within the Alliance.

As part of the JKU's integration into the EC²U Alliance's collaborative activities, a highly motivated delegation traveled to the partner universities in Pavia (Italy), Salamanca (Spain), Coimbra (Portugal), Jena (Germany), Turku (Finland) and Iași (Romania). These educational site visits reaffirmed the Alliance's common goals, particularly in the areas of lifelong learning, doctoral programs, and digital education.

University of Pavia, Italy
Discussions during the first integration visit to the University of Pavia centered on lifelong learning initiatives and supporting joint doctoral degree programs. The JKU delegation included Mag. Stefan Pawel, Prof. Claudio Biscaro, and PD Dr. Georg Krammer who shared best practices and strategies, particularly to introduce microcredits (MC) and digital education with leaders at the University of Pavia.

University of Salamanca, Spain
During the visit to Salamanca, participants focused on expanding the use of digital educational platforms and using technological innovation to support the EC²U's goals. The JKU delegation learned more about the collaborative infrastructure, student involvement, the Quality Education Work Package, the Innovation Center, and the Virtual Institutes. The meeting with students at the University of Salamanca was especially memorable, clearly demonstrating the academic community’s level of enthusiasm and active involvement.

University of Coimbra, Portugal
The site visit to Coimbra focused on sustainability initiatives and interdisciplinary research. The JKU delegation took part in discussions about integrating sustainable practices into academic and administrative operations as well as promoting a culture throughout the Alliance that is focused on sustainability. A special highpoint for the team included a visit to Coimbra City Council as the Council is actively involved in the Alliance and they liaise with other municipalities.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
The site visit to Jena focused on research partnerships and strengthening doctoral degree programs. The delegation looked at options to facilitate mobility and cross-university research projects in an effort to strengthen academic partnerships and create a cohesive research network.

University of Turku, Finland
During the Turku site visit, the JKU delegation met with student representatives to learn more about lifelong learning, student involvement, the ambassador program, and the importance of student feedback as part of actively shaping Alliance initiatives.

Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Romania
The final site visit to Iași concentrated on cultural exchange and social involvement and responsibility. The delegation had an opportunity to explore collaborative projects designed to support cultural understanding and integration within EC²U, as well as reinforce the Alliance's commitment to creating an inclusive European educational community.

Driving the EC²U Mission Forward
The successful culmination of each site visit constitutes a significant step forward to further integrate the JKU into the EC²U alliance. Each encounter deepened mutual understanding and strengthened ties between the partner universities, laying the groundwork to support future partnerships and collective success.

About the EC²U Alliance
The EC²U Alliance (European Campus of City-Universities) brings universities from different European cities together, promoting partnerships, mobility, and innovation in higher education. The EC²U aims to create a pan-European campus capable of not only transcending geographical boundaries, but also offering students and employees a diverse and enriching educational experience by launching joint initiatives.

Christine Hinterleiner (JKU International Office) noted: “The dedication and enthusiasm we witnessed at each university was truly motivating. Through our joint efforts, the shared vision of creating a cohesive and innovative educational environment across Europe is becoming a reality.”

PD Dr. Georg Krammer (JKU Institute for Business and Vocational Education) agreed and added: “The spirit of cooperation within the EC²U alliance is truly inspiring. Each visit has affirmed our commitment to shared European educational goals and the continued pursuit of excellence.”

The Future Outlook
The insight and experience acquired during these site visits will be instrumental in further integrating the JKU into the EC²U Alliance. Undoubtedly, the joint efforts and shared vision of alliance members will result in creating a vibrant and integrated European educational landscape.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Soyoung Lee (Institute for Tumor Biology Research at the JKU) is of the same opinion: “Seeing and experiencing the dedication and innovation at our partner universities first-hand was a revelation. The ongoing initiatives are not just theory, but rather they are real-world practices, effective, and ready to transform the future of European higher education.”

Click here to learn more about the EC²U Alliance.