09 Feb 2026
The Guild statement provides recommendations regarding the contribution of European Universities alliances to research
Following the publication of its Insight paper 'Pilots without Pathways?', The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities presented a follow-up statement including four recommendations for European Universities alliances with regard to their contribution to research. The statement was drawn up following rich discussions with the higher education community during The Guild's conference on 'Pilots without Pathways' in January, where European Universities alliances identified research as an important part of their activities.
The Guild's recommendations are the following:
Improve the conditions for collaborative research
Alliances are uniquely positioned to deliver on the objectives of the European Research Area. Consortia, including alliances, could drive areas such as reform of research and academic careers, the use of AI in science, common understanding of research security and other shared priorities.
Support researchers to succeed in grant capture
Through their commitment to long-term collaboration and experimentation, alliances are well placed to support researchers to succeed in grant capture. The diversity of alliance membership helps to create new research networks, which might trigger novel and original research.
Open COST to smaller-scale initiatives
European Cooperation in Science and Technology shares the commitment of the European Universities initiative to bring out both excellence and inclusiveness in Europe. The Guild proposes to open COST for smaller-scale networking opportunities to support bottom-up initiatives, including in an alliance context.
Develop new ways to overcome the divide between education and research
Alliances strengthen capacities to imagine the challenges of the future, and the curriculum required through the eyes of students. Alliances can develop new bridges between education and research by transforming the curriculum experience for undergraduate students; leading the cultural change in our understanding of academic excellence; enhancing joint Master and PhD supervision and encouraging visiting scholars to offer teaching provision.
For more information:
The Guild: The contribution of European Universities alliances to research