400 university leaders from the European higher education sector will gather on 16 and 17 April 2015 at the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA)

BRUSSELS, 14-4-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Around 400 university leaders and representatives from the European higher education sector will gather on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 April 2015 at the Annual Conference of the European University Association (EUA). The conference – entitled “European Universities in Research and Innovation: People, Policies and Partnerships” – will explore the role of research and innovation and their impact on society.

On Thursday (17 April) the Association’s General Assembly, which will precede the Conference, will elect a new President and five new Board Members. Professor Rolf Tarrach, the sole candidate to stand for EUA President, is expected to succeed Professor Maria Helena Nazaré as the fifth President of EUA.

A poster session on “The Contribution of University Research to Society” will showcase examples of how university research findings have contributed to the advancement of technology and society at large, ranging from technologies leading to improvements in health and well-being, to improved understanding of climate and weather prediction, and alternative energy sources.

The conference Hot Topic will focus on Energy Research and Education through EUA’s new project, ‘UNI-SET’, which aims to mobilise European universities’ research, innovation and educational capacities in the energy field.

Confirmed speakers include: leaders of universities from Europe and the USA; representatives from science organisations and representatives from the European Institutions, including Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

Lesley Wilson, Secretary General of EUA said:

“The capacity of European universities to generate new knowledge in all fields of research and to promote innovation is greater than ever before.

“Governments and society at large hold increasingly higher expectations on the applicability of research outcomes to help solving big societal challenges. EUA’s 2015 Annual Conference will address both new opportunities for universities to increase their research capacity and impact in society, as well as the challenges and pressures facing universities in delivering excellent research outputs and educational programmes”.

ENDS

Notes:

1. Details of all candidates standing for EUA President and EUA Board are available here.
2. Rolf Tarrach’s CV is available here.
3. To view the EUA Annual Conference programme, please visit the Conference website.
4. Please note that if you would like to interview the outgoing or incoming EUA President, please contact Toni Giugliano (details below).

Contact

Toni Giugliano, Tel: +32 2 743 11 59, Mobile: +32 494 392193, email: toni.giugliano@eua.be

The European University Association, as the representative organisation of both the Europeanuniversities and the national rectors’ conferences, is the main voice of the higher educationcommunity in Europe. EUA’s mission is to promote the development of a coherent system of European higher education and research.