Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun becomes a full YUFE member.
After joining the YUFE initiative in December 2018 and contributing to the YUFE project as an associate partner since June 2019, the Nicolaus Copernicus University is proud to announce that its ongoing efforts and active engagement have resulted in a change of status to a full member of the YUFE consortium. The Nicolaus Copernicus University is thus equated with other member universities from Belgium, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Croatia, and Spain, and will, therefore, assume even more responsibilities in co-creating the first European University of the future open to local and international students of all backgrounds.
Nicolaus Copernicus University becoming a full member of YUFE Alliance is of great importance for the region as well, since one of YUFE’s strategic goals is to establish cooperation with local businesses and stakeholders, local citizens, and communities to contribute to solving local and European challenges. This will all be easier to achieve now, as the formal status of the Nicolaus Copernicus University is equal to that of the other YUFE universities. Nicolaus Copernicus University and University of Rijeka becoming full members of the YUFE project also ensures that YUFE full membership becomes even more diverse and representative of different European regions, which demonstrates a distinct European orientation of the YUFE alliance.
Prof. Dr Martin Paul, President of Maastricht University and Chair of the YUFE Alliance, shared the exciting news: The integration of Nicolaus Copernicus University and of the University of Rijeka as full partners in YUFE is a milestone not only for these institutions, but for the whole alliance. It constitutes an official recognition of the significant progress YUFE has already achieved in building a university alliance that connects all parts of Europe. We are further encouraged that our inclusive approach of bringing together academic institutions, staff and students from many different countries, cultures and fields will be successful to implement a shared vision and actions leading us to become a true European University based on excellence, equality and mutual respect.
Upon receiving the official confirmation, Nicolaus Copernicus University Rector Prof. Andrzej Tretyn, Ph.D., stated: Nicolaus Copernicus University is one of the best and largest universities in Poland, now we are joining the most dynamic network of European universities. This will mark the direction of our development for long years. Our university enters the future with energy and potential of advancement. And future rector, prof. Andrzej Sokala said: To increase cooperation with our partners for building a strong European university it’s the most important task for us in the coming years.
The YUFE Alliance is a large strategic partnership that gathers 10 young universities from 10 European countries, which have partnered with 4 associated partners with core competencies in the field of employment and inclusion. YUFE wants to make a radical change in European higher education, presenting itself as the leading model of a young, non-elitist, open and inclusive European student-centered university. YUFE is a unique ecosystem that connects universities with communities and will be based on the cooperation of higher education institutions, the public and private sectors, and citizens across Europe.
Full membership status for Nicolaus Copernicus University and University of Rijeka was awarded by the European Commission upon Formal request submitted by the YUFE alliance