The 5th Annual Arqus Conference: A Discussion on the Future of European Higher Education
Photo credit: Leipzig University / Christian Hüller
From 2 to 4 April, the 5th Arqus Annual Conference titled “European Universities at the Crossroads” was held at Leipzig University. The Arqus Teaching Excellence Awards recipients were announced during the event.
The 2024 Arqus Teaching Excellence Award was presented to Claudia Padovani from the University of Padua and Silvia Kober from the University of Graz. Established by the Arqus Alliance, this award recognises outstanding teaching practices that integrate innovative methods and enhance student learning. Each laureate receives a €5,000 grant to support further teaching and professional development.
The aim of the conference was to foster open discussions on the future of European higher education, promote stronger collaboration, and encourage innovations that contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive higher education environment in Europe.
The first session focused primarily on the potential role of legal entities in strengthening cooperation within European university alliances. Representatives from various alliances shared their experiences, approaches, opportunities, and challenges – particularly in relation to addressing sustainability issues.
At the opening of the event, Leipzig University’s Rector, Eva Inés Obergfell, delivered a welcome speech and presented the goals of the conference. In her address, Arqus Coordinator Dorothy Kelly highlighted the importance of the Arqus Alliance and its influence on the development of European higher education. Throughout the event, all conference participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions on both theoretical and practical issues commonly faced by universities striving towards shared goals.
The following sessions featured the exchange of good practices and discussions on innovative solutions. Topics included research strategies and opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening Europe as a higher education area. In addition, participants explored the development of digital infrastructures: how inter-institutional research networks can contribute to the advancement of sustainable science by fostering long-term collaboration and innovation.
The fifth Arqus Alliance conference is of great significance to the contemporary academic world. By strengthening collaboration, introducing innovation, and building sustainable digital infrastructures, the European Higher Education Area will become more resilient to external challenges. A united academic community can lay the foundations for high-quality education, research, and innovation in the years to come.
The importance of this conference lies not only in addressing current challenges but also in the long-term vision of the Arqus Alliance – to develop a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive model of European higher education capable of adapting to both today’s challenges and future developments.
You can find the live stream recordings of the conference here.