Magdeburg University provides impetus for the future of higher education in Europe with EU GREEN
“Magdeburg is shaping the future of higher education in Europe” – this assessment by the European Commission fills the University of Magdeburg with pride and joy: the EU GREEN university alliance, of which the university is a member, has passed its two-year evaluation with flying colors. “For us, this is clear confirmation that we are on the right track,” says Dr. Anne Herbik, project coordinator of EU GREEN at OVGU. "This underlines OVGU's pioneering role in sustainable university development and strengthens its visibility in the European education area. Together with our partners, we are demonstrating that we can find answers to the pressing questions of the future and have created something that goes beyond the usual. Six international research clusters—ranging from health and well-being to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity—as well as three new master's programs and three further developed ones open up Europe-wide perspectives for students.
"We have succeeded in connecting education and research
not only with each other, but also across national borders.
We are very proud of this.
Dr. Anne Herbik.
Cooperation within the alliance is bearing fruit: virtual mobility, blended intensive programs, and a dedicated PhD Council bring students, teachers, and researchers together. Close exchange and strong networking connect the universities of the 64 other European university alliances and other initiatives.
In addition to its successes in terms of content, the structure of EU GREEN is also impressive: With its own senate, executive board, and the digital exchange platform GREENWORK, the alliance has established formats that ensure dialogue between university management, teachers, administration, and students. This has made it possible to create an organizational form that enables long-term cooperation across national and disciplinary boundaries, provides access to further funding, and gives the alliance stability for the coming years.
The evaluation was based on the following criteria:
Relevance and objectives: The clarity and relevance of the objectives set in terms of promoting a European identity and addressing European and global challenges.
Quality of the partnership: The strength and sustainability of the partnership, including the diversity and complementarity of the participating institutions.
Governance and management: The effectiveness of governance and management structures, as well as the management of cooperation and resources.
Degree of innovation: The capacity for innovation in terms of education and research strategies, including the development of new pedagogical approaches, teaching formats, and research collaborations.
Mobility and exchange: The promotion of student and staff mobility and the facilitation of intercultural exchange.
Sustainability and inclusion: The implementation of sustainable practices and the ensuring of inclusive education and research environments.
And the future beyond that?
“We are not standing still,” emphasizes the project coordinator. “The world is changing – topics such as artificial intelligence must be incorporated into our strategy. We also want to promote even greater participation by members of all partner universities and make the alliance more visible – within the university, but also far beyond.”
Finally, she turns her attention to the people at OVGU: “This success belongs to all of us – faculties, administration, teachers, students. Without their commitment, EU GREEN would not be what it is today. Together, we are shaping a European university that is more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.”
Text: JANINA MARKGRAF