ATHENA at the French-German Conference on European Universities
A stimulating and forward-looking gathering that brought together university leaders, policymakers, alliance managers and coordinators to reflect on the evolving role of European Universities. Discussions centered around the societal responsibility of higher education institutions, the pursuit of inclusive excellence, and the innovative potential of “French-German-plus” frameworks.
Participants engaged with the complex balance between competition and cooperation, as well as the long-term sustainability of the European University initiative; highlighting the importance of diversifying funding sources. Concerns were also raised about the risk of operating within an “insider bubble,” underlining the need for openness, transparency, and broader engagement.
Universities were reaffirmed as crucial spaces for academic freedom, regional transformation, and the cultivation of democratic values. In her closing remarks, Eva Martha Eckkrammer, president of the French-German University, brought together many of the themes that emerged throughout the two-day conference. She noted, among others, the importance of strengthening student participation in European University alliances, increasing support for early career researchers, and enhancing regional engagement.
Siegfried Martin Diaz, Counsellor for Science and Technology at the French Embassy in Germany, emphasised the significance of this pivotal juncture as the European Union begins shaping the next generation of framework programmes.
French-German collaboration remains at the heart of many European University alliances. ATHENA European University is a prime example, built on the longstanding partnership between the University of Siegen (Germany) and the University of Orléans (France), both of which are members of the French-German University. ATHENA was represented at the conference by Ruger Winnegge (Siegen) and Anne F. Delouis (Orléans).
