In April’s Sparks, we explored the collaborative spirit that defines our network, highlighting stories where collaborative research branches into real-world, impactful projects through the YRMA voices. In May, we continued to spotlight collaboration, adding more voices to the narrative.
Now, we’re in June, and what a month it’s been! It started with a blast as we celebrated a major milestone: the 10th Anniversary Conference of YERUN.
Celebrating 10 Years of Young Research Universities
This long-awaited event brought together our members, European policymakers, partners, and friends to celebrate everything YERUN stands for: collaboration, innovation, and a shared identity as young research universities.
Over the course of the conference, each session sparked interesting conversations around the role and future of young research universities in Europe. From policy dialogues to institutional best practices, the sessions highlighted the diversity and unity within our network.
To capture these inspiring moments, we shared live reflections and key takeaways from each session. These posts offer a window into the ideas and energy of the event:
- 🌅 Welcome
- 🎤 Opening address by Dag Rune Olsen & Silvia Gómez Recio
- 🎙️ Henna Virkkunen Keynote
- 🎥 Roxana Mînzatu Message
- 🏢 High-Level Policy Panel – Funding Europe’s Future: What Do We Need for a Competitive Europe?
- 🔗 Morning panels:
- 🌟 Ted Talks
- 🏛️ The University of the Future
- 🔗 Afternoon panels:
- 🇩🇰 Keynote: Upcoming Danish EU Presidency, Christina Egelund
It all started on 4 June. The celebrations began with a High-Level Reception at the YERUN Brussels Office, an occasion to reflect on YERUN’s journey so far, and set the tone for the conference ahead.
A definition for young research universities
What exactly are young research universities?
More than just a label, young research universities are dynamic, forward-looking institutions that combine high-quality research with a deep commitment to societal impact, education, and openness. They are agile, ambitious, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
A young research university, typically established after the 1960s, is defined less by its age and more by its innovative, agile, and future-oriented mindset. Founded with a civic mission, these institutions act as regional and local anchors, promoting social and economic development. They integrate research, teaching, and societal impact, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinarity, international collaboration, and talent development. Their diverse academic communities and institutional cultures foster openness, adaptability, and a proactive approach to identity-building. It is spirit and strategic orientation, rather than historical legacy, that defines their role and positions them as a crucial pillar in the higher education landscape.
This celebratory year also paved the way of our publication “What does it mean to be a young research university? Reflections and stories from YERUN”, which captures not only this definition but also brings together 24 stories, united by one shared identity that lies at the heart of YERUN.
People at the heart of YERUN
At their core, young research universities are about people.
That’s why this edition of Sparks also shines a light on the faces behind the network: researchers, staff, and leaders who bring YERUN’s mission to life every day.
As YERUN enters its second decade, we remain more committed than ever to amplifying the voices, ideas, and values that make young research universities a powerful and unique force in European higher education.
