Administrators from 22 European universities met on 24 and 25 October for their six-monthly meeting. In addition to European politics and research policy, the directors discussed the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories and the role of universities.
Perspectives may vary from country to country and university to university, but the urgency of these issues is felt everywhere, noted College President Daniel Wigboldus. A meeting like this makes it clear once again that it is good to be able to see issues from different backgrounds. 'In addition, we are stronger together as universities when we want to influence European research policy.'
Use the momentum
That is especially important now, because although budgets are under pressure everywhere, at the same time research and innovation are high on the agenda of the European Union. 'We have to use that momentum. Universities need to jointly draw attention to the fact that we are significant to society, especially now. That large and complex societal challenges require the creative and innovative solutions that science can provide. Large and small companies are also now explicitly stating that investments in scientific education and research are needed. Universities must step forward self-confidently just now and show how we contribute to the great challenges of our time. This applies at regional, national, European and global level'
Photo: college presidents of member universities of The Guild
