As we reach the tenth and final edition of Sparks of YERUN, and the close of our first decade, this moment feels both celebratory and reflective. 2025 has been an exceptional and very busy year for the network: we welcomed Malmö University as a new member, celebrated YERUN’s 10th Anniversary throughout the year (including a memorable gathering in Brussels with our community and friends across the European R&I sector), and continued to amplify the distinct perspective of young research universities in Europe.
While the current YERUN Strategy 2021–2025 concludes this month, we have spent the year developing a new Strategy that will guide the network from January 2026. Alongside this work, policy advocacy and collaboration remained central, especially our continued push, independently and with partners, for a strong, autonomous, excellence-driven FP10 with an increased budget that matches Europe’s ambitions. We also advanced key files across the ERA, the ERC and MSCA, competitiveness, the fifth freedom, as well as skills and education, academic careers, research assessment, open science, and AI.
To close the year, we are pleased to share Christmas wishes and reflections from YERUN leaders on the year coming to a close and the one ahead.
Leaders’ Messages: Christmas Wishes and Reflections
UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Thriving together!
“Thriving together” is the title of the YERUN strategy towards 2030. It reflects what YERUN has achieved during its first 10 years, what the network aims for in the coming years. But, it also reflects the values on which the member universities are based upon. From the very beginning our universities have devoted themselves to collaboration with local and regional partners, private and public, and contributed to societal development. My own university is no exception, aiming at being a driving force in the North, to quote our strategy.
Europe faces numerous challenges and universities with a strong societal commitment will play a prominent role in addressing these. So, my wish is that we thrive together, not only as a network, but also as universities together with society at large.
— Dag Rune Olsen, Rector of UiT The Arctic University of Norway and President of YERUN
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
The turn of the year is always a moment for reflection. In the context of our collaboration within YERUN, 2025 has been an exceptionally dynamic period — a year in which young universities strengthened their presence in the European conversation about the future of science and higher education. For Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and for the network as a whole, it was a time of milestones and anniversaries, but also a time to ask what it truly means today to be a research university.
Over the past months, one theme has come to the forefront: research security. Alongside scientific excellence, we increasingly face questions about responsible international cooperation, institutional resilience, and the protection of the values that define Europe’s academic landscape. The central challenge ahead will be to find the right balance between openness — essential for scientific progress — and the responsibility to safeguard our communities, data, and infrastructures in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. It is precisely at this intersection of freedom, responsibility, and security that the future of our universities will be shaped.
Being a research university, especially a young one, also means remaining deeply rooted in one’s region — responding to societal needs, collaborating with cities, regions, and other local institutions, and fostering innovation that matters to the communities we serve. This experience is shared across the YERUN membership: strong European ambitions paired with strong regional responsibility, each reinforcing the other.
We enter 2026 at a transformative moment: YERUN is preparing to unveil its new strategy, and at Nicolaus Copernicus University we are beginning work on our own — a strategy that will align our European aspirations with our mission as a research university anchored in its community. International cooperation, including YERUN and university alliances, will play a central role in this vision.
What gives me the greatest hope is that, despite uncertain times, we continue to stand together. The community we are building, and the values we share, remain our greatest strength.
And this is my wish for all of us during this holiday season and in the New Year: that we keep walking this path together, combining scientific ambition with responsibility, working across borders, and always surrounding ourselves with people who inspire, support, and encourage us to look further ahead.
— Adam Kola, Vice-rector for Research, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Vice-President, YERUN
University of Southern Denmark
As 2025 comes to an end, Europe continues to face geopolitical uncertainty and an increasing need for knowledge-driven solutions to complex societal challenges. In such a landscape, the role of young research universities has never been more important. This past year has reaffirmed how valuable the YERUN community is — as a shared voice in European policy debates, a platform for collaboration, and a space where we turn challenges into opportunities.
At SDU, we celebrate a year of collaboration, innovation, and research that contributes to a strong and democratic Europe. Through interdisciplinary work and partnerships at every level — local, regional, national, and international — we strive to turn knowledge into solutions that benefit society. My hope for the coming year is that YERUN continues to deepen our connections, foster joint research, and uphold the values that unite us: openness, curiosity, and commitment to societal progress.
Wishing all YERUN partners a joyful holiday season and a bright, inspiring 2026.
— Jens Ringsmose, Rector, University of Southern Denmark
University of Klagenfurt
2025 was the year in which the University of Klagenfurt significantly deepened its partnerships. We strengthened our ties with key figures in business, politics, and civil society across our region, while also extending our reach more visibly beyond national borders – throughout the Alps-Adriatic area and across Europe. We do this because we are convinced that a rich landscape of collaboration is the only way for young universities to realise their potential in times of uncertainty and upheaval.
The challenges of our rapidly shifting world are profound: safeguarding lasting peace in liberal democracies, addressing the climate crisis, ensuring access to healthcare and educational opportunity, and pursuing economic growth that our planet can sustain. None of this can be accomplished by individuals acting alone. Securing a better life for all will require the collective strength of many brilliant minds. It will not be single universities that withstand populist attacks, but strong alliances such as YERUN, ready to speak out when academic freedom and scientific inquiry are called into question. Here, our diversity is our greatest asset.
As the year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have stood with us, shoulder to shoulder, united in purpose throughout these past months.
I wish us all a restorative festive season and a hopeful outlook for the year 2026!
— Ada Pellert, Rector, University of Klagenfurt
University of Cyprus
As we enter a new year impacted by misinformation, geopolitical uncertainty and the questioning of international values and law, universities have a great responsibility to speak clearly and courageously. We must also communicate the truth of science, foster societal progress through meaningful collaborations with industry and communities and show how teaching, learning and research can transform the world for the better. Today, university autonomy and academic freedom face growing pressures: from attempts at censorship to efforts that steer research toward narrow agendas, often overlooking the critical importance of basic research in paving the way for breakthroughs. Yet our foundation remains unchanged: ethics, credibility and commitment to the public good when we teach, conduct research and engage with society as a whole. In this spirit, we will continue to defend these values and safeguard the spirit of higher academic institutions.
For all that is bright, authentic, and meaningful. May we keep dreaming, creating and moving forward with purpose and generosity.
— Professor Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus
University of Potsdam
Dear YERUN community,
Looking back on 2025, I’m glad to see how the University of Potsdam has continued strengthening research, international exchange, and our commitment to open, inclusive, and diverse societies.
To give an example, we received some very good news in November: the German Research Foundation (DFG) has positively evaluated two of the four Collaborative Research Centers (SFB) at the University of Potsdam and extended them once again. While cognitive scientists are exploring the “limits of variability in language,” researchers from mathematics, physics, geosciences, computer science, and psychology are working on “data assimilation.” The two SFBs, established in 2017, will continue their work on further questions from January 1, 2026, and will receive funding for another four years. Maybe these areas of research will also offer some opportunities for collaboration within our network.
In a time when many democracies face pressure, universities have a vital role as places of critical inquiry, evidence‑based dialogue, and community engagement. At Potsdam, we focus on academic freedom and research that benefits society and strengthens our communities.
Looking ahead to 2026, I hope we will deepen our exchange within the YERUN network: expanding partnerships, co‑creating knowledge, and supporting young scholars to thrive in an interconnected world. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on key policy priorities, strengthen democratic values, and enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the societies we serve.
With warm wishes for the holiday season and the New Year: may it bring curiosity, courage, and continued collaboration across the YERUN community!
— Prof. Oliver Günther, President of the University of Potsdam
University of Stirling
This year the University of Stirling advanced our new interconnected Research Missions that seek to make meaningful improvements to the quality of Spaces, Places and Lives.
Our researchers are addressing global challenges by adapting to a changing world, building sustainable and resilient communities, and enhancing health and wellbeing for all.
We’re working to improve the lives of people with dementia, we’re finding creative ways to inspire better health and wellbeing, and we’re feeding communities through sustainable aquaculture researchwhich is enhancing global food security.
We look forward to working with like-minded young research universities in Europe in the coming year through YERUN, which continues to spearhead the advancement of research, innovation, and talent development across member universities.
To all our YERUN friends, I send my best wishes for Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
— Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling
University of Rijeka
Honouring Our Journey, Embracing the Future
With the first days of December and the colourful Christmas lights, many of us feel a natural pull to pause and notice what the past twelve months have held. End-of-year reflection allows us to acknowledge growth and pain, remember all the hardships we have endured, and release what no longer serves us.
Despite all the difficulties and obstacles, together we constantly prove that humans truly are incredible creatures. Without us, there would be no science, art, research, innovation, or miraculous discoveries. In a world driven by money, politics, and influence, it is up to us – researchers and universities – to keep fighting for democracy, freedom, autonomy, integrity, and openness. Our alliances and networks keep our ideas moving, breaking down barriers and reaching new heights. As the only Croatian university in YERUN, we consider it our responsibility to make good use of the exchange of ideas and knowledge transfer, and to be a paragon of European values in our region.
As a vice-rector for 8 years and an outgoing acting rector, I end this year with a feeling of gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has supported the University of Rijeka throughout the years, a sense of satisfaction for everything that has been achieved, and a sense of hope for a better tomorrow. Looking back, I am proud of our growth and constant progress. Now we turn a new leaf, knowing that a part of us and our work will forever remain woven into the history of our university.
In these challenging times, may this holiday season bring peace, hope, and laughter. We at the University of Rijeka look forward to a new chapter that will bring fresh ideas and praiseworthy projects, all while continuing to work with our trusted partners across Europe, whom we are now happy to call friends.
— Prof. Davor Vašiček, Ph.D.
University of Eastern Finland
We extend our sincere thanks to all members of the YERUN network for their dedicated efforts and are grateful to be part of this collaborative community. We recognise the growing challenges in defending academic freedom as a cornerstone of scientific innovation in Europe and beyond. As young universities, we must pursue new ideas and actions to achieve an impact that exceeds our age.
— Jussi Pihlajamäki, UEF Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation
University of Maastricht
In the face of significant challenges, Maastricht University remains committed to our core values: open science, international collaboration, tolerance and innovation in teaching and learning. Together, we continue to build a connected future and find answers.
Universiteit Maastricht Rector Magnificus Rianne Letschert UM
© Harry Heuts
Through education and research, we create prosperity. At our Brightlandscampuses, we bring together students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to address major societal challenges. From the EU’s Compass AI healthcare programme to the Brightlands Startup League, or the ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab, we make academic knowledge benefit people. Together with local and YERUN partners we foster public debate and advocate for peace, openness and cross-border education and research through Europe at a crossroads.
Thank you to everyone at YERUN!
We wish you a peaceful holiday season,
— Rianne Letschert, President Maastricht University
University of Limerick
As the year draws to an end, it affords us the time to reflect on the past 12 months and to look forward to what the next year may bring.
Throughout the year UL launched the newest European University Alliance EMERGE (Empowering the Margins of Europe through Regional and Global Engagement) which has brought together nine universities, united by the conviction to build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous Europe for all.
Our researchers are continuing to push boundaries, creating excellent research that is novel; research that is having an impact for our society.
Yerun’s 10th anniversary celebrations demonstrated how important it is that young universities have in a voice in influencing policy and the direction of the higher education sector and I’d like to thank Silvia and her team for their work throughout the year.
University of Limerick is looking forward to a new year and a new era as 2026 will bring a new energy and vision The development of the University’s new strategic plan and the appointment of new President will reinvigorate us all to strive for more, to be more curious and be more innovative as we look to address the challenges that face the world around us.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh
— Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President, University of Limerick
Malmö University
Malmö University joined Yerun at the turn of the year. Looking back on 2025, we can see that our engagement in the network was timely in relation to the formation of a new university strategy: Malmö University 2030 – Strategy for an open university with knowledge and society in focus. Yerun’s focus on the role of young universities in the global academic community, international collaborations, open science, and societal impact is closely aligned with our own strategic goals. Yerun also inspires us to continue our work for academic freedom, high-quality education and research, and the university’s central role in an open and democratic society.
In 2026, we want to deepen our engagement within Yerun. We want to contribute to joint initiatives, develop new collaborations and influence European policy with facts and research.
We look forward to the new year and wish the entire Yerun community a happy and successful 2026.
— Mia Rönnmar, Vice-Chancellor, and Malin Ideland, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Doctoral Education
Tallinn University
Across the Young European Research Universities Network, international cooperation is essential for shaping agile, evidence-based responses to Europe’s shared challenges. In 2025, the network has continued to demonstrate how young, dynamic research universities can amplify one another’s voices in policy debates, share effective practices and turn research into societal benefit. At Tallinn University, we have felt the value of this approach, complemented by the encouraging outcomes of our recent external evaluation of research, development and creative activities. It underlined our fast development and inclusive research culture and reminded us to keep prioritising quality and impact. Looking ahead, we hope to deepen YERUN collaborations that support early-career researchers, strengthen evidence-informed public policy, and reaffirm the role of universities as reliable, democratic institutions. May 2026 bring ambitious joint projects, thoughtful leadership and research that serves society with clarity and confidence.
— Katrin Niglas, Vice-Rector for Research
University of Konstanz
In every challenge lies opportunity
Dear Yerun Community
We look back on an eventful year for both YERUN and the University of Konstanz. YERUN celebrated its 10th anniversary – a decade of achievements – and set a clear strategic coursefor the future.
For the University of Konstanz, the first half of 2025 brought highs and lows in the German Excellence Strategy: immense joy over continued funding for our Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” mixed with disappointment as, for the first time, we did not get the chance to defend our title as a German “University of Excellence”. Yet, as a close-knit community, we see opportunity in every challenge – driven by the conviction that excellence is more than a title.
Recent successes reinforce this belief: for instance, the German Research Foundation just approved funding for two new Konstanz-based Collaborative Research Centres. What is more, a key construction project began in November: the Forum Konstanz. It stands as a symbol for our motto “creative.together” and our mission to advance research excellence andfoster cross-sector collaboration for the greater good. We are quite excited about this development, as the Forum Konstanz is likely to become a vibrant space for joint creativity and exchange in the future.
In this spirit, I look forward to 2026 with confidence and wish you a joyful, successful, and inspiring year ahead.
— Dirk Leuffen, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Impact, University of Konstanz
Ulm University
2025 was an exciting year for Ulm University: With the acquisition of the Cluster of Excellence Post Lithium Storage, our outstanding battery researchers – together with colleagues from Karlsruhe and Gießen – have set themselves up for seven more years of funding.
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology highlighted our research profilearea of the same name, with many public events highlighting quantum sciences, staffed by our scientists. We continue our research on Life Long Health, and have pulled a tighter focus on generating knowledge with the help of Data Science and AI.
Within the YERUN network, we are looking forward to deepening our ties with other young research universities in Europe, for it is only together that we can advance research and defend academic freedom.
I am wishing all our YERUN friends happy holidays and a great start in the new year.
— Professor Michael Weber, President of Ulm University
University of South-Eastern Norway
YERUN is now shaping our strategy for the decade ahead. We are doing so in a time of profound change, both geopolitically and demographically; developments that affect both the higher education sector and the wider society we serve. In November, USN took an important step by signing the Magna Charta Universitatum, reaffirming our commitment to the core values that underpin the role of universities in democracy and society. In the face of significant global challenges, we see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute through knowledge, critical reflection and collaboration, nationally and internationally. For our students, this commitment translates into an academic environment that fosters intellectual freedom, critical thinking, ethical awareness and active engagement in society. And students are at the heart of our work. USN places strong emphasis on student well-being, successful completion of studies, employability and active student participation. With this in mind, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season and a hopeful New Year.
— Prof. Pia Cecilie Bing-Jonsson
University of Bremen
In 2025, the University of Bremen’s diverse research landscape became apparent, spanning from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of outer space.
The University of Bremen acquired two Clusters of Excellence as part of the Excellence Strategy, a joint initiative of the German federal and state governments.
One of these clusters is “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface.” In this project, researchers from the universities of Bremen and Oldenburg investigate the ocean floor as an interface that plays a significant role in the Earth system as a whole. In the other cluster is “The Martian Mindset – A Scarcity-Driven Engineering Paradigm,” where researchers use the extreme conditions on Mars as an experimental setting to develop a new sustainability paradigm driven by resource scarcity.
Sustainability remained a central focus throughout the year. In February, the Academic Senate adopted a comprehensive sustainability strategy, which will guide the university’s efforts to become more sustainable and climate-friendly across all areas: in research, teaching and learning, knowledge transfer, campus operations, and university life.
As we look toward 2026, I hope that YERUN will continue to prioritize sustainability in all its facets.
— Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther
