Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, announced yesterday (19 December 2024) a €2.3 million funding allocation to bolster the participation of six Irish universities in their involvement in European Universities Alliances (EUA).
The funding, which will support SETU’s participation as an Alliance partner of EU-CONEXUS European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, marks the second round of support provided by the Department to the Alliances active in Ireland. The EUA initiative, a flagship programme of the European Union, aims to transform higher education by fostering strategic alliances between universities across Europe, promoting excellence, and enhancing global competitiveness. This highlights Ireland's commitment to strengthening its role in key European higher education initiatives.
Speaking yesterday, Minister O’Donovan said:
"This funding is the second round of support given by my department to the EUA initiative and will further strengthen the role of Irish universities in these alliances, while also supporting student exchanges, research, innovation and engagement.
The commitments made by my department and the HEA to support EUA participation are already bearing fruit, evidenced by increased access to high-quality and inclusive education, alignment of research and innovation with the digital and green transitions, and addressing major societal challenges"
EUA membership allows Irish universities to harness the collective potential of their partners in delivering the objectives of Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy. This ensures Ireland is an effective contributor in the delivery of the EU’s long-term joint strategies.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan
Ireland’s representation within the EUA initiative is notable, with thirteen Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participating as members. It aims to enhance the capacity of Irish universities to participate in transformative European alliances, with SETU and five other universities each receiving €391,300 in this round of funding. It will support a wide range of activities, including student mobility, research collaboration, innovation and community engagement.
President of SETU, Prof Veronica Campbell welcomed the announcement stating;
“This funding is a real vote of confidence in the success of the EUA initiative to date. Our strategic vision for SETU is one of a vibrant, global university, providing transformational and enriching learning experiences for our students in line with the objectives of Global Citizens 2030 – Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy.
I would like to sincerely thank and commend Minister O’Donovan for his continued support of Irish universities’ participation in the European Education Area initiative.”
The funding of EU-CONEXUS has been instrumental in opening up new opportunities for staff and students to share learnings, collaborate, and innovate with our European counterparts while addressing societal challenges. At SETU, we look forward to continuing this work through our membership of EU-CONEXUS, European University.
President of SETU, Prof Veronica Campbell
EU-CONEXUS focuses specifically on smart urban coastal sustainability. Its collaboration with SETU offers a unique opportunity for researchers, staff and students to make meaningful contributions to this field. This continued investment ensures that Irish universities remain key players in this transformative European initiative, while simultaneously strengthening the country’s position as a hub for education, research, and innovation.
About EU-CONEXUS
EU-CONEXUS is a fully-fledged transnational European University offering joint education, training and study programmes, joint research and professional development opportunities for all its staff, researchers, and students.
SETU is a partner of the EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability with La Rochelle University, France; Catholic University of Valencia, Spain; University of Zadar, Croatia; Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; Frederick University, Cyprus; Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, Romania; Klaipeda University, Lithuania and University of Rostock, Germany.
EU-CONEXUS is themed on “Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability”, focusing education, research & innovation, and knowledge-sharing activities on defining, understanding and addressing societal challenges experienced by communities from urban and semi-urbanised coastal regions (rivers, seas and oceans).
Further details can be found on the EU-CONEXUS website, tap here