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U!REKA European University

U!REKA European University

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10.02.2025

The Polytechnic University of Lisbon is a full partner of the U!REKA European University, officially launched in January 2024. This alliance offers numerous opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange, as well as international curricula and research initiatives, all aimed at contributing to a more sustainable European society.

The U!REKA European University is a transnational alliance of 6 universities of applied sciences and over 20 partners, united in their mission to drive the transition towards climate-neutral societies. The alliance envisions an inclusive, innovative, and enduring academic community that connects people across borders, empowering individuals to co-creatively address the pressing urban challenges of our time. 

We cooperate closely with major cities and local initiatives as part of the EU Mission “Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities”. This mission aims to achieve climate neutrality in the participating cities by 2030 and in all European cities by 2050.  

The alliance has secured funding from the European Commission’s Erasmus+ European Universities Initiative (EUI) programme with U!REKA SHIFT (Sustainable, Human, Inclusive, Future-proof Transition) project (2024-2027). 

 

U!REKA Goals

U!REKA’s contribution to climate-neutral and smart cities starts with:

  • Establishment of three joint Centres of Expertise - CoE to develop a joint research agenda, projects and solutions to accelerate this transition:
    1. Climate-Neutral Urban Communities 
    2. Transition to Circular Society
    3. Innovative Governance Models & Citizen Engagement
  • Joint cross-border knowledge creating community to integrate U!REKA universities and their local ecosystems (following the “quadruple helix” model of linking academia, industry, government and society) for collaboration and best practice sharing.
  • Joint education and campus with 70 courses related to twin transition and transversal skills, including 18 joint micro-credentials and 6 joint study programmes (2 minors, 3 double degrees (bachelor, master and doctoral), as well as joint internship and incubator programme.

 

While we contribute to climate-neutral and smart cities, our activities will also enhance the overall competitiveness and quality of European Higher Education and European Research, while strengthen European values and identity through 50% of students participating in U!REKA mobility (physical, blended or virtual) as part of their studies. 

 

The U!REKA Alliance

The U!REKA European University's full partners cover, in total, around 123 000 students and 13 000 staff members. The 6 full partners are the following universities of applied sciences:

 

Five other European higher education institutions are involved as associate partners:

  • Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland)  
  • New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria)  
  • Odessa National Economic University (Ukraine)  
  • University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna (Austria)  
  • University of Bari (Italy)

 

Ten cities and/or municipalities are partners as well: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Ostrava, Ghent, Lisbon, Cascais andOeiras.In addition, there are European, regional or district councils, networks and companies: Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, Moravian Silesian Innovation Center, District of Offenbach, East Flanders, European Association of Institutes in Higher Education (EURASHE), and the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN), POLITEC&ID Value Knowledge Network, Waag FutureLab, and Platform Talent voor Technologie (Katapult).

 

U!REKA Values

Inclusion

Inclusion is at the core of our identity. We are committed to creating an open and welcoming academic environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone is given the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success.  

Co-Creation

Co-creation is central to our approach to innovation and collaboration. We believe that genuine curiosity and trust form the foundation of effective co-creation. It is about investing in relationships to fully engage all stakeholders.

Boldness

Boldness inspires us to explore new possibilities and aim for ambitious goals. It is about having the courage to break away from convention and take risks—whether it is acknowledging uncertainty or trying new approaches without fear of failure.

 

Become a part of U!REKA

International cooperation has become a top priority, paving the way for numerous initiatives that benefit lecturers, researchers, students, and partners alike. In essence, being recognised as a European University Alliance brings significant added value across various fields.

International cooperation has become a top priority and will lead to numerous initiatives from which lecturers, researchers, students and partners can benefit. In essence, recognition as a European University Alliance brings significant added value across several fields.

 

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