European Universities Initiative 5 Years On: A Research and Practice Symposium

This symposium, "European Universities Initiative 5 Years On: A Research and Practice Symposium," addresses the critical need for evidence-based evaluation of the European Universities Initiative (EUI) as it reaches its fifth anniversary. The EUI, involving over 570 higher education institutions, represents a significant shift in the European higher education landscape, yet its vaguely defined objectives have hindered consensus on its success. This timely symposium aims to provide a platform for critical assessment, exploring the EUI's achievements, challenges, and future direction.

The symposium's overall objective is to generate and disseminate evidence-based knowledge about the EUI's impact and contribute to its future development. Specific aims include: 1) fostering critical debate on the EUI's impact; 2) facilitating knowledge exchange between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers; 3) exploring future directions for the EUI; and 4) establishing a sustainable research network.

The symposium will combine peer-reviewed paper presentations, a poster session, a public panel discussion (and potentially another keynote presentation), and a collaborative workshop. The call for papers will attract cutting-edge research on the EUI, while the poster session will showcase ongoing projects and practice-based results. The panel discussion will engage key stakeholders in a dialogue about the EUI's future, particularly concerning Switzerland's role. Further, the workshop will facilitate the development of a COST Action proposal, establishing a long-term research network.

Expected results include a submitted COST Action proposal, dissemination of research findings through various channels, and enhanced collaboration among EUI researchers and practitioners. We expect the symposium's impact to be significant, providing crucial insights for policymakers, university leaders, and researchers. It will contribute to a deeper understanding of the EUI's dynamics and inform evidence-based decisions regarding its future development, ultimately shaping the trajectory of European higher education.