ENLIGHT, coordinated bij Ghent University, pursues its European ambitions

The European Commission has published the selection results of the 2023 Erasmus+ call for proposals for European Universities. ENLIGHT, which was co-founded by Ghent University and comprises 10 universities from 10 European countries, is among the 30 selected alliances and will receive 14.4 million € for the next four years. The alliance intends to allocate a significant portion of the funding towards academic initiatives, emphasizing its commitment to supporting scholars. Moreover, ENLIGHT is pleased to welcome the University of Bern as its newest alliance member. This collaboration strengthens the diversity and impact of the alliance, furthering its mission to develop a university of the future.

Gijs Coucke, project coordinator: “This allows ENLIGHT to expand and enhance the initiatives that were developed during the pilot phase. The ambition remains firm: to create an open space for our students and staff to learn, teach, cooperate, create and innovate. ENLIGHT wants to empower learners with the skills they need to address the complex global societal challenges. Across various learning formats, students will actively engage with sustainable development, global engagement and societal change. But besides high-quality education ENLIGHT will adopt a holistic approach integrating research and innovation into the knowledge creation process. Furthermore, ENLIGHT introduces some new elements as part of its strategic direction. This includes the launch of bottom-up calls for interdisciplinary thematic networks and starter grants to promote the development of future-proof education. Additionally, the alliance has expanded its focus areas and added "culture and creativity" to the existing areas of health and well-being, digitalization, climate change, energy and circular economy, and equity.”

Ilse de Bourdeaudhuij, director of Education: “The educational vision of ENLIGHT is fully aligned with that of Ghent University. Ghent University fully embraces the development of future-proof education programs with a focus on generic competences, multi- and interdisciplinary approaches, the systematic integration of international and intercultural skills, flexible learning pathways, and societal engagement. We want to use ENLIGHT as an international lever in achieving these goals.”

Rector Rik van de Walle: “As coordinating university, we are pleased that the European Commission continues to invest in European Universities and in ENLIGHT. This demonstrates that Europe is committed to maintaining a leading role worldwide in education and research. Ghent University has a strong reputation in European and international cooperation. We are therefore excited to further develop ENLIGHT and enable our students, academics, and staff to benefit from the opportunities that this international collaboration offers.”