From 9 to 11 October, YERUN Rectors, Presidents and Vice-Chancellors, YERUN Coordinators, experts and the YERUN Brussels Office assembled in Konstanz, Germany for the YERUN General Assembly (GA), marking another pivotal moment for the network. Hosted by the University of Konstanz, this edition of the GA provided a platform for reflection, insightful dialogue, and forward-looking discussions, particularly around YERUN’s achievements over the past decade and the future trajectory as the network works on its 2026-2030 strategy.
The GA began with a warm welcome from the University of Konstanz, setting the tone for the productive days ahead. Prof. Dirk Leuffen, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Impact, shared insights into the university’s participation in the German Excellence Strategy, highlighting the value of collaboration across the YERUN network. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Mainau Island, a visit that blended inspiration and unwinding on the first day of the event.
On 10 October, YERUN Rectors and Vice-Rectors participated in a workshop, where they discussed the approach to international partnerships with the European Commission and the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA). Insightful contributions were made by speakers such as Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation at the European Commission’s DG Research & Innovation, and Veronika Kupriyanova, Deputy Director at ACA. Discussions centered around the importance of value-based collaborations in the context of the current global political landscape. Dr. Johannes Dingler, Director of the International Office at the University of Konstanz, also shared perspectives on managing international cooperation in politically challenging environments.
Meanwhile, YERUN Coordinators gathered to reflect on YERUN’s past achievements and to begin laying the groundwork for the YERUN 10th Anniversary Communication campaign. This approach will guide the network’s actions in the coming year, ensuring that YERUN remarks itself with its achievements at the forefront of advancing research, innovation, and talent development across its member universities.
A special highlight of the GA was the Spotlight on Excellence in Research, featuring the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz. The laboratory visits showcased cutting-edge research, driving innovation within the network and underscoring the importance of fostering collaboration to amplify research impact.
In addition to these discussions, the YERUN Brussels Office presented updates on recent policy developments at the EU level. Attendees were also received updates on the YERUN Collaborative Platform, which will officially launch in the near future. This platform, Connect by YERUN, is designed to facilitate collaboration among researchers across the network, creating new opportunities for innovative partnerships. The concluding day of the GA brought updates on the YERUN Action Plan 2023-2025 and approval of the YERUN 10th Anniversary Campaign. This milestone campaign, which will officially launch soon, celebrates YERUN’s decade of impact and growth, with plans for a special publication and a conference in Brussels to mark the occasion.
As every two years, the General Assembly also saw the election of new board members. We welcome Prof. Adam Kola (Vice-Rector for Research at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń), Prof. Barbara Höhle (Vice-President for Research University of Potsdam), Prof. Sophie Vanhoonacker (Professor University of Maastricht), and Prof. Jens Ringsmose (Rector of University of Southern Denmark) to the YERUN Board, and we look forward to their leadership in guiding the network forward.
A heartfelt thank you to the University of Konstanz and in particular Rector Katharina Holzinger for hosting this inspiring General Assembly and for the impeccable organisation led by YERUN Coordinator Petia Popova, Dr. Johannes Dingler and not only. YERUN is motivated to continue its impactful journey, and we look forward to the next steps in this exciting chapter of growth and collaboration.
photo credits: Milena Schilling
