On International Women’s Day 2024, Aurora universities set a leading example by fostering an environment that nurtures inclusivity and celebrates women’s pivotal roles in driving innovation, scientific discoveries, and societal advancements.

These initiatives and activities spearheaded by Aurora universities are aligned with United Nations’ theme “Accelerate Progress: Invest in Women”, and the International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “Inspire Inclusion”. Both focus on expediting women’s rights, achieving gender equality, inspiring women from all walks of life, and challenging barriers that historically impeded women’s progress.

University of Iceland 

As part of a larger conference called “Science and Society”, the University of Iceland (UI) organised an event on the gender gap that remains an issue within the business sector, and especially for women in top management positions. Notable people from the university, business, and also the Parliament, including Iceland‘s Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, gathered to discuss how the government could help reduce this gender gap. 

Read more about the event (in Icelandic): Hverjir geta dregið úr kynjabilinu í stjórnendastöðum í atvinnulífinu.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Did you know that women are the reason that Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) exists today? On this International Women’s Day, VU Amsterdam commemorates the fundraising initiative launched and organised by women since 1932. The objective of this collective effort was to build a medical faculty, physics and chemistry laboratories, and also to improve hospital accessibility and development aid abroad. Today, this country-wide initiative has come under the name of “Women VU Aid”.  

Read the story in detail: Women are the reason VU exists. 

University of Duisburg-Essen 

Gender studies have a long track record at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE). During the International Women’s Day 2024, UDE celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Essen Center for Gender Studies. The university also kicked off its new Institute for Gender-Sensitive Medicine, to strengthen gender research even further. These special occasions called for an interview with Dr. Maren A. Jochimsen, Professor Dr. Anke Hinney and lecturer Dr. Andrea Kindler-Röhrborn.  

Read the interviews (in German): Pionierinstitutionen der Geschlechterforschung. 

Universität Innsbruck  

For this special occasion, Universität Innsbruck organised an interactive poster (re)design exhibition to raise awareness on gender equality as the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations. The exhibition was created by communication designer Elisabeth Kopf and is part of the UniNEtZ project to support Austria in the implementation of the SDGs by providing specialist know how: Universities make their social and natural science, technical and artistic expertise available and in this way take responsibility for a sustainable transformation – in an ecological, economic and social sense. 

Watch the video of the interactive exhibition.

Copenhagen Business School 

Is gender equality in the labour market still an issue today? Research from Copenhagen Business School (CBS) highlights the challenges that women face at different levels in their professional development. From job loss to women in top management to bias against women entrepreneurs, these studies explore in depth, the reasons behind enduring inequality, its consequences, and the actions taken to move towards a more equal future for women.  

Delve into the research: Exploring Equality Challenges in the Job Market.

University of Naples Federico II  

In one of its initiatives to celebrate International Women’s Day, University of Naples Federico II (UNINA) brought to light the discrimination and prejudice against women working in the marine sector. In collaboration with Oceanitalians, UNINA organised an exchange with three female professionals working in oceanographic research, Professor Flegra Bentivegna, Dr. Angela Landolfi, Dr. Sara Biancardi, and psychologist-psychotherapist Anna Pisterzi. 

Watch the replay of this discussion (in Italian): Donna Nella Scienza 2024. 

Palacký University Olomouc

In line with its long-term vision, Palacký University Olomouc (UP) has committed to equal opportunities through initiatives such as its “Gender Equality Plan”. In addition, the university has also recently featured several female scientists in a series of podcasts. These interviews aim to break down barriers for women in scientific fields, and to inspire other women to consider career possibilities in scientific fields.  

Listen to the podcast (in Czech): Žena ve vědě.  

Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Every year for International Women’s Day, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) coordinates a number of activities through its Unitat d’Igualtat (Equality Unit) and in collaboration with other URV Departments and Services. One of the highlight events this year was the ceremony awarding the founders and pioneers of the Bloc Feminista de Tarragona established in the 1970s, with the Maria Antònia Ferrer i Bosch Distinction. They led the way in organising the fight against the lack of rights for women in Tarragona. Thanks to these visionary leaders, today they are able to have open discussions on labour discrimination, gender equality in education and employment.

Find out more (in Catalan): La URV commemora el 8M amb activitats que posen en relació la discriminació de les dones amb altres desigualtats.

Université Paris-Est Créteil 

This year at Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), the whole month of March is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusivity. All month long, UPEC organises conferences, workshops, thematic stands and exhibitions tackling issues such as gender equality, sexual discrimination, prejudice against the disabled, and violence against women, to name a few. Spotlight on a conference by female scientist Fahimeh Robiolle, who shared her trials and tribulations as a female Iranian living in Teheran under the rule of Mohammad Reza Chah Pahlavi. During the conference, she shared her story of emancipation and how she became one of the first women to study nuclear physics in Iran.  

Discover other activities at UPEC during this special month (in French): Mois de Mars, Mois de L’égalité et de L’Inclusion à l’UPEC. 

Hosted by the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) in Tarragona, Spain, the Aurora Student Conference 2024 brought together students from across Europe for two days of immersive cultural exchange and collaborative workshops.

Open to all Aurora Student Council members and Aurora Student Ambassadors, this conference aimed specifically to promote intercultural understanding and collaboration among its participants. As such, the event featured a diverse array of activities, including cultural learning sessions, language quizzes, and workshops. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in cultural speed dating, traditional dance sessions, and peer-learning discussions. 

This annual student conference is part of the goals set within the Aurora 2030 Work Package 7 on Capacity Building and Community Engagement, to upscale the engagement of the Aurora universities’ student communities by encouraging teamwork and partnership between them. The two-day programme kicked off with a warm welcome by Josep Pallarès, Rector of the URV, and Joan-Miquel Canals, URV’s Commissioner for International Networks. Following the opening session, students were invited to participate in immersive intercultural activities that offered an eye-opening experience and a better understanding of URV’s community and the lively Catalan culture. 

Embedding Aurora Values into the Student Community

Delving deeper into the essence of Aurora, student participants explored its vision, ambitions, and achievements through a comprehensive introduction. This session provided invaluable exposure – particularly for students new to Aurora – on what Aurora represents to its internal and external stakeholders. It gave light to the Aurora vision to match academic excellence to societal relevance, and emphasised how students can play a role in contributing to the Aurora mission and in affecting positive impact. 

World Café: The Impact of Aurora

Cultural session on Catalan culture and language

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions during the World Cafe session, where they brainstormed and shared perspectives on the Aurora values. Topics ranged from Diversity and Inclusivity to International Education, emphasizing the dedication of Aurora members to nurturing a diverse and globally-aware academic community.  

Enhancing Personal Development

Part of the Aurora Student Conference included a workshop entitled “Speak UP!”, hosted by academic Markus Öbrink from Palacky University Olomouc. Aimed at enhancing students’ communication skills, the workshop consisted of practical exercises and guidance that enabled students to learn tools and strategies for effective public speaking.

Student from Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) at the Speak Up! Workshop

Cultural tour of the historical city of Tarragona

During the two days, attendees had the opportunity to explore the historical city of Tarragona and discover its vibrant Catalan culture. Guided tours offered glimpses into the city’s heritage, complementing the conference’s focus on intercultural understanding and collaboration.

The Aurora Student Conference 2024 underscored the importance of cross-cultural dialogue, and fostering connections and understanding in today’s globalised world. The conference left Aurora students inspired to continue building bridges across borders, both in Europe and beyond. 

Aurora Universities Network Offers Recommendations for Diverse and Sustainable Academic Careers in Higher Education

Amsterdam / Brussels – February 2024

The Aurora Universities Network has released a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and sustainability of academic careers within higher education. These recommendations, rooted in practicality and alignment with EU Council guidelines, represent a joint effort to address the evolving needs of academia.

Focusing on Alignment with EU Council Recommendations

Central to the recommendations is a focus on aligning with EU Council recommendations on research careers, talent retention, and the CoARA principles. By adhering to these directives, the Aurora Universities Network seeks to ensure coherence and harmonization within the European academic landscape.

Emphasizing Multifaceted Career Roles

Recognizing the diverse nature of academic roles, the recommendations advocate for the inclusion of education, research, innovation, and societal outreach in academic career paths. This acknowledges the reality of hybrid careers and the fluidity with which individuals move between different functions within academia.

Rethinking Recognition and Rewards

A significant departure from conventional approaches is the proposal to reassess the acknowledgment and incentive structure within academia. Instead of solely focusing on publication metrics, the Aurora Universities Network suggests a holistic approach that encompasses teaching, societal impact, research support, management, leadership, and patient care.

Maintaining Realistic Standards

The proposal emphasizes the importance of maintaining realistic standards while striving for consistency across the European Union. Highlighting the need for comprehensive frameworks that accommodate the diverse career paths present in modern academia, it draws on examples such as the Dutch Recognition & Awarding strategy.

Looking Ahead

The Aurora Universities Network remains committed to promoting diversity, sustainability, and excellence in academic careers. By embracing these recommendations, institutions can work towards fostering a more inclusive and vibrant academic community.

For inquiries, please contact Dr. Pim de Boer at w.i.de.boer@vu.nl or Dejan Lukovic at dejan.lukovic@uibk.ac.at.

Exciting developments are underway in Aurora international education, thanks to the newly launched EURIDICE project. Officially initiated at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and co-led by the University of Naples Federico II, EURIDICE brings together representatives from European institutions, companies, and universities.

EURIDICE – short for European Inclusive Education for Digital Society, Social Innovation, and Global Citizenship – commenced with a dynamic meeting at VU Amsterdam. Gathering a diverse group of 25 partners, including universities, research centres, cultural and scientific institutions, and companies, the event saw 30-40 attendees on-site and an additional 27 participants joining online from 10 countries worldwide.

Building Digital Society and Global Citizenship

Expanding Aurora’s pilot domain on Digital Society and Global Citizenship, EURIDICE aims to advance Europe toward a digital future by nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders. These individuals will be equipped with advanced digital skills tailored to societal transformation and global citizenship.

Attendee Dr. Michal Malacka, Vice-Rector for Strategy and Regional Affairs at Palacký University Olomouc, commented, “Aurora has long been dedicated to the Digital Society and Global Citizenship. Initially starting with a common educational module, the project evolved into a comprehensive master’s study program. The complexity of this initiative requires innovative solutions, incurring increased costs. To expand our efforts towards reaching these goals, we have utilized the Digital Europe program of the European Commission to secure funding for the EURIDICE project and facilitate the preparation and implementation of study programs.”

EURIDICE’s objectives are two-fold:

• To establish an international, interdisciplinary, and collaborative master’s degree program (a Joint MA Degree) focusing on digital society, social innovation, and global citizenship.
• To enhance the teaching competencies of educators in higher education by developing a programme for professional training and lifelong learning.

Interdisciplinarity At the Heart of EURIDICE

EURIDICE’s interdisciplinary essence revolves around advanced digital technologies, encompassing fields such as AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Cybersecurity. Beyond technical skills, the project integrates perspectives from law, humanities, social sciences, and business/economics to understand the digital landscape comprehensively.

Dr. Pietro Nunziante, Associate Professor in Industrial Design at the Department of Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, was one of the main speakers during the first day of the EURIDICE launch. Providing insight into collaborative learning design, he explained the concept with a particular focus on blended and remote learning.

The consortium driving EURIDICE is robust, consisting of eleven universities across Europe, two independent digital research centres of excellence, two cultural institutes, six small-medium enterprises, and four associated universities, three of which are from the Global South. The project seamlessly integrates ongoing academic digital research into education programs, fostering strong connections with industry and societal institutions. This collaborative effort promises to shape the future of inclusive digital education and innovation in Europe and beyond.

Aurora Associate Partner since May 2022, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) officially joins as Aurora Full Member and becomes part of the Aurora 2030 project within the framework of the European Universities Initiative launched by the European Commission.   

The Aurora 2030 project brings together nine research-intensive higher education institutions and five associated academic partners across 13 countries, working towards a common strategic vision: Matching academic excellence with societal relevance. UPEC’s entry into this alliance of European universities, further contributes to the collective commitment in achieving sustainable impact through education, research and innovation.  

“We are very pleased and proud to welcome UPEC as a full member of Aurora Universities Network,” says Jon Atli Benediktsson, President of Aurora and Rector of the University of Iceland. “The emphasis at UPEC on high-quality education and research for societal impact makes UPEC an excellent and important partner of Aurora.” 

As a university engaged in being a service to its region, UPEC aims to redefine its university model and strengthen its actions to address key societal and environmental challenges. This also includes supporting further European integration in higher education and research through collaboration with other member institutions within Aurora. 

Shared Coordination and Expertise 

The Aurora 2030 project consists of ten work packages and 33 task teams, coordinating collaborative actions in identifying and tackling common goals in the fields of diversity, sustainability, research, innovation, education and student engagement. These actions include, but are not limited to, green and digital campus initiatives, research assessment, inclusion and student mobility.  

“UPEC’s institutional strategy is well-aligned to Aurora’s five hubs: Sustainability & Climate Change, Digital Society & Global Citizenship, Health & Well-being, Cultures: Diversities & Identities, and Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation,” says Martin Schwell, Vice President, European Affairs and Aurora Institutional Coordinator at UPEC. “Furthermore, UPEC’s integration into Aurora enables opportunities for our students, staff and academics that go beyond international borders and disciplines.” 

As a new member integrated into this programme, UPEC will be playing an active role in Aurora’s  work for the next four years by co-leading two strategic work packages, on the one hand Enhancing Quality of Research through an Aurora Research and Innovation Community, and on the other hand Impact and Dissemination. 

Dedicated Representation  

Being part of Aurora  goes beyond cooperating within the work packages and task teams of the Aurora 2030 project. UPEC’s commitment to this alliance is also demonstrated by the representation of its community of students, academics and administrative staff in opportunities aligned with the university’s mission: sustainable campus, student life, and science with and for society.  

In the wake of the Aurora 2030 Kick-off in November 2023, the Aurora European university alliance further consolidates its scientific and academic collaboration among member institutions by building an Aurora Research and Innovation community.  

Building on the progress from the first phase of Aurora, this Call for Incentive Research Projects, Thematic Summer Schools and Early-stage Researcher Mobilities is part of Aurora 2030 Work Package 5: Enhancing Quality of Research through an Aurora Research and Innovation (R&I) Community, and therefore aims to foster a fertile environment for the excellent quality of research and research collaboration through shared values and practices within Aurora. 

“During its first phase, Aurora universities have successfully set up an inventory of research infrastructures that they are ready to share for common research,” says Matthias Beekmann, Director of Observatoire des Sciences de l’univers at Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) and Task Team 5.2 Leader on Academic Collaboration and Community Building. “With the incentive call launched today, we want to go a big step forward in bringing researchers from Aurora together.” 

Indeed, through common research activities and mobility actions, the present Call will continue to strengthen the relationships among researchers and scientific communities within member institutions and raise awareness about R&I activities and Aurora on a much broader academic level.  

Driving Research for Education and Societal Impact 

Harnessing collective knowledge from the Aurora scientific community enhances the quality of research and, thus, increases its ability to address key world challenges and make a positive and sustainable societal impact in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this vision in mind, the present Call welcomes applications in research disciplines and topics that fall within the five Aurora 2030 educational hubs: Sustainability & Climate Change, Digital Society & Global Citizenship, Health & Wellbeing, Culture: Diversities & Identities, and Social Entrepreneurship. Going further than this, the Call is open to all research disciplines as long as the proposed project fosters real new collaboration.  

 To continue growing the next generation of Aurora academics prepared to conduct research, impart knowledge and catalyze change in a meaningful and durable way, this Call intends to create opportunities and incentives for both early-stage and established academics by supporting three types of key actions:  

• Incentive and Collaborative Research Projects
  This action supports concrete exploratory research activities that emphasise the complementarity of competencies and approaches gained from the expected collaboration between researchers of different Aurora member institutions. 
• Thematic Summer Schools
  This action comprises opportunities for career development, knowledge-sharing and network/community-building through thematic disciplinary training for early-stage researchers. 
• Short-term Research Secondments for Early-stage Researchers
  This action boosts researchers’ skill set by supporting short-term mobility of up to three months in a research laboratory or unit of an Aurora 2030 full-member institution. 

The Building Blocks of the Aurora Research and Innovation Community  

Raised on the foundation of collaboration between nine higher education institutions in Europe, today Aurora officially releases its Call for Incentive Research Projects, Thematic Summer Schools and Early-stage Researcher Mobilities, one of the building blocks towards an Aurora R&I Community. The deadline for submission runs until 12 pm (CET) on April 30, 2024.  

The Aurora Student Council, a thriving community of students within the Aurora member university ecosystem, is passionately committed to fostering growth, unity, and progress in Higher Education. With their vibrant cultural diversity and unwavering community spirit, universities transcend being mere educational institutions. The Council serves as a catalyst for student-led initiatives and community engagement, with a mission to foster a diverse and inclusive community that nurtures inter-European transversal collaboration.

At Aurora, we are fully committed to fostering an environment that nurtures the growth and contributions of all our students. Our unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion is the cornerstone of our mission, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. Together, we build a brighter future!

We welcome you to connect with the student council on Instagram to stay updated and engaged with our activities. Join our vibrant social media community today and stay informed about the latest developments.

At the end of November 2022, an extraordinary event unfolded at the University of Iceland, ushering in a new era of collaboration within Aurora and the higher education sector. The kick-off of the Aurora 2030 project marked a milestone in the journey of the Aurora European university alliance – a consortium of nine member universities and four Associate Partner universities across Europe. This alliance is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, co-creation, and social responsibility within academia.

The Aurora 2030 project, an ambitious chapter in this alliance’s narrative, commenced with immense enthusiasm and a promise of great potential. It embarks on a mission to redefine educational practices, foster social entrepreneurship, and confront societal challenges head-on.

Notably, the University of Iceland has been honoured with the leadership role in this alliance and received a significant grant from the European Commission, amounting to approximately seventeen per cent of the total 14 million Euros. This substantial investment will undoubtedly expedite efforts to revolutionise teaching and learning methodologies and nurture future socially conscious innovators and entrepreneurs.

According to Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland and President of Aurora, the primary goal of the Aurora cooperation is to provide students with an education that cultivates the mindset and proficiencies of social entrepreneurs and innovators, equipping them to tackle society’s most pressing global challenges. Jón Atli Benediktsson made this declaration as he formally kicked off the new phase of cooperation in the University’s Ceremonial Hall.

The Aurora 2030 project embodies the essence of interdisciplinary approaches in education, research, and social innovation to equip students to address global challenges. It aims to enhance research support, particularly for early-career researchers, through international cooperation and resource sharing. The alliance also seeks to strengthen partnerships with higher education institutions worldwide to foster diverse research and collaborative initiatives, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Emphasizing sustainability aligned with the European Union’s 2030 goals and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Aurora 2030 sets ambitious targets for sustainable education, research, collaboration, and institutional practices, with a focus on creating a sustainable campus.

Let us take a moment to acknowledge this significant milestone. It marks the culmination of past efforts and signifies the dawning of an inspiring new chapter. As we forge into the future, we do so with anticipation and excitement, confident in our collective ability to make meaningful societal contributions through exceptional education.

If you wish to rewatch the live stream, you can find it here.
Please find a visual recap of the kick-off here.