Universities & Values

The missions and work of universities in Europe and elsewhere are underpinned by a number of fundamental values. EUA as an Association strongly believes in and works towards upholding these.

The Association’s activities include monitoring and promoting institutional autonomy as a core principle of university governance and advocating academic freedom as the single most important basis for meaningful academic research and teaching. EUA has a strong track record in standing up for freedom of expression and the protection of higher education and its communities from intimidation and attack.

In addition, the Association supports universities in nurturing a culture of openness, tolerance and dialogue by promoting diversity among students and staff, integrating refugees into their communities and acting as models of healthy democratic communities. EUA also encourages its members to fulfil their civic role by contributing to social and political debates, addressing societal challenges and contributing to sustainable development. EUA also focuses on the responsible and proper conduct of scientific work, as upholding research integrity and ethics is key to strengthening universities’ credibility and consolidating their role in society.

EUA works together with its members and a variety of partners, including Scholars at Risk, the Magna Charta Observatory and the International Association of Universities (IAU), to ensure that these values are respected and guide universities’ activities.

 

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Positions

  • View more 04 Feb 2021

    Universities without walls – A vision for 2030

    This seminal document is the result of extensive consultations and deliberations with EUA members and partners over a six-month period in 2020. It sets out a vision of resilient and effective universities, serving Europe’s societies towards a better future.

  • View more 25 Jun 2020

    Europe’s Universities Shaping the Future

    EUA Strategic Plan

    The need for strong universities has never been greater in addressing societal challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, resource scarcity, ageing populations, migration and managing artificial intelligence are among the many examples of areas where universities have a major impact.

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Resources

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Expert voices

Projects

  • iRECS

    Improving Research Ethics Expertise and Competencies to Ensure Reliability and Trust in Science The research ethics process is facing increasing challenges posed by new technologies and social...

  • InSPIREurope

    Initiative to Support, Promote and Integrate Researchers at Risk in Europe InSPIREurope is a Europe-wide initiative to support researchers who are at risk due to...

  • Refugees Welcome Map

    An inventory of higher education supporting refugees.

Events

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