University alliances and networks: The bridge to the development of international partnerships

University alliances and networks represent a significant area in the development of the university´s international relations. And Brno University of Technology (BUT) is no exception. It is not only important to be part of the alliance but rather to actively contribute and deepen the cooperation within member institutions and networks as such. Therefore, during spring, the BUT delegation led by rector Ladislav Janíček made visits related explicitly to the BUT involvement in university networks and alliances.

The first visit was to Gdańsk, Poland, to attend EUA (European University Association) Annual Conference. The BUT delegation attended the conference, organized by the Gdańsk University of Technology, focused on university impact and how universities influence different communities and share public policies. Through a series of plenary sessions and parallel workshops, BUT representatives explored the various areas actively discussed in the university environment, such as university rankings, digital transformation, support for Ukraine, or the role of university leadership in delivering impact.

Following, on April 24, the BUT delegation visited the CESAER Secretariat led by Mattias Björnmalm at Leuven, Belgium. During the productive meeting, representatives discussed the significant and burning topics that influence technical education, as the discussion focused mainly on the role and future of technical education in Europe. Representatives will meet again in autumn during CESAER Annual Meeting in Madrid.

Spring visits concluded with the visit of the institution leading the EULiST consortium – Leibniz University Hannover, on May 4. The aim of the visit was to discuss the future cooperation of both institutions within the EULiST Alliance on the road to becoming a true European University. The details of the visit are available in this article.