The European Commission has decided to award the EuroLeague of Life Sciences Universities (ELLS Universities) funding of approximately €7.2M in the next two years under the European Universities Initiative. For the alliance, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this marks the beginning of a new chapter. The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) has been a member of this alliance since 2005. This decision and the financial support will provide students, researchers, and staff at CZU with more opportunities to study, work, and collaborate with member universities throughout Europe, specifically in Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Norway, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Austria.
“The fact that the European University Alliance ELLS, of which CZU is a member, was selected by the European Commission for funding is a tremendous success. It is the result of our many years of work in the international arena, where we are already an important and established player. This success also confirms that in our key area of activity—life sciences—we rank among Europe’s top universities,” said Michal Lošťák, rector of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. He added that “The European University Alliance is a major challenge for us, one that opens a window of opportunity for the further development of CZU in both teaching and scientific research. “A big thank you goes to everyone who contributed to preparing the application for the European University Alliance, and we recognise that a great deal of work lies ahead to fulfil the mission and vision outlined in the application.”
Climate instability, geopolitical tensions, a fragile food sovereignty: Europe faces existential challenges. ELLS Universities builds on a long-standing collaboration within the EuroLeague of Life Sciences Universities, where European universities with strong expertise in life sciences, sustainable food systems, agriculture, forestry, environment and natural resources have worked together for 25 years.
“As we shape the future of ELLS, our mission remains clear: to provide excellent learning conditions for tomorrow’s changemakers”, said Maria Knutson Wedel, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences as lead for the EUI proposal". “We join forces for our students to gain power to transform agri-food systems, strengthen food security, foster resilient rural communities, and protect and regenerate our natural environment for the generations to come.”
“Since 2001, ELLS has evolved from a network into an alliance”, said Christoph Schneider, President of the University of Hohenheim and current ELLS Chair. “It has created opportunities, advanced collaboration, and strengthened excellence across life sciences in Europe. These achievements are rooted in a shared spirit of openness, and a willingness to
learn from one another. As we look ahead, this spirit will continue to guide our joint efforts to address the future challenges and opportunities of the European life sciences.”
New opportunities for teaching and research
European Universities is the EU’s initiative to support long-term alliances between higher education institutions across Europe. The aim is to strengthen the European Education Area through increased mobility, joint programmes, innovative learning environments and deeper cooperation between universities.
For students at 11 member universities, membership will offer more opportunities to study at partner universities, participate in joint courses and build international networks.
For researchers, lecturers and other staff, it creates new opportunities for professional development, exchange of experience and collaboration in education, research and innovation.
ELLS Universities brings together 10 joint master's programmes, 15 summer schools each year, and a Scientific Student Conference that has drawn more than 300 participants annually since 2009. The alliance includes 11 member universities across Europe:
- BOKU University in Austria
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- University of Hohenheim in Germany
- Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
- Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Institut Agro in France
- University of Lleida in Spain
- Universita degli Studi della Tuscia in Italy
Facts: European Universities
The European Universities initiative is a flagship programme of the European Union for higher education. Through long-term alliances between universities, students, teachers, researchers and other staff are enabled to collaborate more closely and move more freely across European institutions. The aim is to enhance the quality of education and research, while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and supporting sustainable development.
More information: https://www.euroleague-study.org/en
