Tracing the Evolution of the European University CIVIS

By Thanos Dimopoulos* and Dimitris Karadimas** in the Opinion column of e-kathimerini

Link to the electronic publication: https://www.kathimerini.gr/opinion/562093510/i-diadromi-toy-eyropaikoy-panepistimioy-civis/

NKUA held the presidency of the European University CIVIS from 1 April to 30 September 2022, when its first three-year phase of operation officially concluded. This first operational period of CIVIS was very successful, hence the European extension of its funding for four more years.

The latest Board of Rectors of the Alliance’s member Universities met on 7 September 2022 in Athens in the presence of the then President of CIVIS, the Rector of NKUA, professor Thanos Dimopoulos, the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs and Head of the Project at NKUA, professor Dimitris Karadimas, and the Rectors of the other member Universities. The Board approved, among other things, the launch of CIVIS Hub 5, entitled ‘Digital and Technological Transformation’. The objective of this thematic area of European interest is the development of joint educational and research activities in the respective fields. Of equal significance was the decision on the participation of CIVIS in an EU call for the development of joint European programmes and degrees.

During its presidency, NKUA played its part in shaping the new type of University in Europe. From the very outset, the Rector and Vice-Rectors of NKUA pursued, among other things, the development and enhancement of joint programmes of short duration, the creation of joint Master’s level degree programmes, the increase of joint doctoral degrees, the promotion of student and faculty mobility, and the extension of cooperation between Universities and social partners. Within the strategic planning umbrella were also the following: a higher level of extroversion, an international orientation, a strengthening of collaboration with selected African Universities, and an enhancement of existing cooperation agreements in the field of research.

From April through to September 2022, some 100 interdisciplinary educational activities were co-organized in the framework of CIVIS. Participation in educational and research activities increased the mobility of students, faculty, and administrative staff.

A thorough and continuous updating of NKUA’s academic community on CIVIS calls and the opportunities offered by NKUA to academics, researchers, and students as part of the University’s participation in the Alliance contributed hugely to the success of the above and the dissemination of the vision and activities of CIVIS within our academic community and civil society. The whole process was made possible through our brand new website (https://hub.uoa.gr/).

Last May, CIVIS organized in Athens, in coordination with NKUA, its biggest annual event, the ‘Global CIVIS Days’, with almost 300 people representing various sectors and activities of the member Universities. Also present in Athens were distinguished European scientists, social partners, representatives of other European University alliances, and EU officials. The event was a great success, and this demonstrates NKUA’s dedication and inventive participation in the vision and activities of CIVIS towards the creation of the future University and the reshaping of European Higher Education.

Over the next four years, NKUA will play a leading role in the Alliance, having undertaken Work Package 9 entitled ‘Civis Educational Offer: Bachelor and Master Level’. NKUA will also co-coordinate with the Free University of Brussels and the University of Bucharest Work Package 13 entitled ‘Impact and Dissemination’. Finally, our University will participate in all Task Forces and Work Packages undertaken by other Universities of the Alliance and continue to co-coordinate CIVIS Hub 2: Society, Culture, Heritage with the German University of Tübingen.

*Professor Thanos Dimopoulos is Rector of NKUA.

**Professor Dimitris Karadimas is Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs of NKUA.