Das europäische UP University-Netzwerk hat seine Zusammenarbeit durch die Unterzeichnung eines Fünfjahresabkommens am Freitag, den 11. April 2025, an der Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) verstärkt. Mit dieser Vereinbarung verpflichten sich die elf Partnerhochschulen des Netzwerks aus Belgien, Deutschland, den Niederlanden, Österreich, Finnland, Spanien, Rumänien, Italien, Slowenien, Albanien und der Ukraine, ihre akademischen, wissenschaftlichen und beruflichen Beziehungen zu vertiefen und die Zusammenarbeit in Bildung und Forschung sowie die internationale Mobilität von Personal und Studierenden zu fördern.
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UP University Network unterzeichnet fünfjähriges Partnerschaftsabkommen in Oulu
Folgender Text im englischen Original:
“I am truly delighted that we have reached this point where we can sign a joint agreement. Previously, we have been building the foundations of our cooperation and focusing on preparing our funding applications. Now, we are entering a new phase where we turn our attention more purposefully toward the future. There is a great sense of excitement,” says Tomas Legrand, the retiring Rector of Artevelde University of Applied Sciences and initiator of the network collaboration, describing the signing day as a significant milestone for the network.
“Responsible Living for the Next Generations” – A shared objective
The European Union challenges higher education institutions to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and expertise. UP University aims to meet this challenge by further developing European higher education and research. The network’s main goal, “Responsible Living for the Next Generations,” emphasizes taking into account the long-term societal and environmental impacts in decision-making. Its member institutions have already spent several years building trust and laying the groundwork for cooperation.
A two-day gathering in Oulu
The network’s rectors and Single Point of Contact (SPOC) representatives convened at Oulu University of Applied Sciences on April 10–11, 2025. The programme was opened by Heidi Fagerholm, Rector of Oamk, and Griet Naeyaert, the network coordinator, followed by a presentation from Henna Määttä, Head of Development at the University of Oulu’s Strategy and Science Policy Unit, who shared her experiences on developing the UNIC university network. She highlighted, among other things, the importance of integrating network processes into each institution’s normal operations and involving both students and cities closely in development work.
During afternoon workshops, participants discussed both short- and long-term goals, continuing the work on the academic scorecard framework, which defines the network’s strategic objectives and related concrete measures. The framework focuses on HR, leadership, financing and infrastructure, as well as education and research.
The day concluded with a reception at Oulu’s renovated City Hall, where the delegation learned about the plans for Oulu2026 – the European Capital of Culture year. The City of Oulu was represented by Mayor Ari Alatossava and City Council Chair Jarmo Husso.
The agreement creates solid structure for the network
The two-day programme culminated in a signing ceremony held on Friday, April 11. The new five-year agreement provides a clear structure for the network’s activities and enables even closer collaboration.
The key themes of the cooperation include:
- Evolving into a European University Alliance
- Strengthening academic, scientific, and professional relations
- Enhancing education, research, knowledge transfer, and dissemination
- Promoting staff and student mobility
- Coordinating joint research and development projects
The agreement also reinforces the administrative structure of the UP University network. Activities are guided by a Governing Board composed of the rectors, while the Steering Committee is responsible for operational leadership and budget planning. Executive Committees focus on practical projects in teaching, research, and communication. Each institution also has a Regional Steering Committee, which implements the consortium’s policies and strategies at the regional level.
Additionally, the network has a coordinator who serves as the chair of the Steering Committee and secretary to the Governing Board, encouraging and facilitating cooperation among the UP members and ensuring that initiatives align with the network’s strategy.
A new chairperson for the Rectors’ Meeting
During Friday’s Rectors’ Meeting, a new chairperson and vice-chairperson were elected for a two-year term. Josep E Baños from the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia will serve as the new chair, while Heidi Fagerholm from Oulu University of Applied Sciences will be vice-chair.
“From the very beginning, I have seen this network as an excellent initiative. European identity and expertise are strengthened through concrete cooperation,” says the newly elected Chair of the Rectors’ Council, Josep E Baños.
A parallel meeting for the SPOCs focused on clarifying the network’s objectives and practical measures. The discussions addressed goal-setting, BIP (Blended Intensive Programmes) plans for staff, and the network’s core message on responsible living.
UP University advances toward concrete action
The new UP University agreement took effect immediately after its signing, and concrete initiatives are expected to begin as early as the next academic year. The next Rectors’ Meeting will be held online in June, followed by a broader live UP University gathering on October 9–10 in Novara, Italy, organized by UPO (Universita Del Piemonte Orientale). The main topic for that event will be research collaboration.
“We are very pleased to have hosted the meeting here in Oulu. This collaboration is an important part of our institution’s internationalization strategy and opens up entirely new opportunities for our staff and students in terms of exchanges, international cooperation, and course offerings,” emphasizes Rector and CEO Heidi Fagerholm of Oulu University of Applied Sciences.
Griet Naeyaert, UP University Coordinator, sums up the event: “This has been a very positive meeting and an important step toward our shared future. Naturally, much work was done in preparation before we met, but now we have been able to discuss how we will collaborate in practical terms moving forward. I also consider it vital that there is strong leadership support and commitment at all partner institutions. That commitment provides an excellent framework for tangible cooperation, such as the joint master programme in sustainability we are now set to plan.”
Participants in the Meeting
The meeting brought together representatives from various institutions:
University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia: Rector Josep E Baños, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Josep Bau Macià, and SPOC Montse Romero Mas
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences: President Isabelle De Wulf, retiring President Tomas Legrand, SPOC Mira De Moor, and UP University Coordinator Griet Naeyaert
DOBA Business School: Rector Gregor Jagodič and SPOC Mateja Geder
University of Bacau (Vasile Alecsandri): Vice-Rector Elena Nechita and SPOC Silvia Leonte
HAN University of Applied Sciences: Rector Rob Verhofstad and SPOC Ivo Schrijer
IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences: Deputy Academic Head Manfred Pferzinger and SPOC Iris Waringer
Università del Piemonte Orientale: Director of Education Ilaria Maria Adamo
Oulu University of Applied Sciences: Rector Heidi Fagerholm, SPOC Heidi Hedström, Director of Communications Anu Rosberg, Development Manager Sami Niemelä, and Director of RDI Noora Jansson
