Introducing New Associated Partners to the EELISA Alliance
The EELISA European University Alliance has taken a significant step forward in its internationalisation and strategic development, welcoming two new associated partners and setting a clear roadmap for future collaboration. During the recent Governing Board meetings held at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), leaders from across the Alliance convened to reflect on achievements, define next-phase goals, and solidify EELISA’s expanding global impact.
The University of São Paulo (USP) and the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) have joined EELISA as associated partners, marking a pivotal moment in the Alliance’s strategic enlargement. USP, a globally recognised research powerhouse with a broad academic portfolio and robust scientific output, and UTM, a leading institution in engineering and technology education in Moldova, bring new perspectives, geographic reach and collaborative potential to the Alliance. This expanded network will enhance opportunities for student and staff mobility, joint research initiatives and cross-border academic exchange.
Release of the EELISA Joint Statement on Enlargement
Alongside expansion efforts, the Alliance outlined its strategic roadmap beyond 2026 – a vision that prioritises sustainability, deeper institutional integration and the next phase of Alliance development, often referred to as EELISA 3.0. Board members discussed governance evolution, sustainability frameworks, and key initiatives designed to strengthen staff engagement, innovation capacity and long-term institutionalisation.
The signing of the EELISA–USP and EELISA–UTM accession agreements comes at a key moment for the Alliance, coinciding with the official presentation of EELISA’s new enlargement strategy. This milestone was further marked by the endorsement of the EELISA Joint Statement, Expanding Horizons: EELISA’s Commitment to Global Collaboration.
Taking place two years into EELISA’s roll-out phase (2023–2027), the event brought together Rectors, Presidents and Directors from across the Alliance, who reaffirmed a shared vision and a collective commitment to shaping the future of higher education in Europe and beyond. The Joint Statement highlights EELISA’s dedication to openness, dialogue and academic solidarity, extending its mission beyond the European Union to promote multilateral cooperation, mutual respect and the free circulation of knowledge.
In a global context increasingly shaped by division, this initiative represents a tangible step toward fostering a more connected, collaborative and resilient international academic community.
Explore insights from the heads of EELISA member universities
“There is great value in expanding the EELISA alliance. At POLITEHNICA Bucharest, we know that we can achieve much more in both education and science by committing to global collaboration. The integration of the University of São Paulo and the Technical University of Moldova expands our community and brings opportunities for both enhanced quality of projects and greater impact, as the alliance now reaches beyond one continent. We welcome the new members to our extended family”. Mihnea Custoiu, Rector of National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest
“This expansion fosters diversity, openness, and cooperation — shaping an international alliance that connects ideas, people, and institutions to drive meaning change worldwide”. Alessandro Schiesaro, Director of Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa (SNS).
“EELISA brings together strong partners within and beyond Europe. With the University of São Paulo and the Technical University of Moldova, we are expanding our shared sphere of impact – advancing education and research that combine global responsibility with local relevance”. Regula Jöhl, Rector of Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW).
“FAU warmly welcomes the two new associated partners joining EELISA, whose participation brings significant added value to the alliance. We look forward to deepening the longstanding collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP), a trusted FAU partner since 2008 across multiple fields. At the same time, the new partnership with the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) opens promising avenues for cooperation and marks an important milestone in expanding international engagement in Eastern Europe”. Kathrin Möslein, Vice President Outreach of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).
“Opening up beyond Europe is not only an academic question, but a demonstration of trust in the power of international scientific collaboration. In this new global phase, the EELISA alliance reaffirms its commitment to uniting diverse expertise and disciplines to generate knowledge and foster dialogue, with the aim of translating these efforts into concrete solutions addressing global challenges that require collective responses”. Nicola Vitiello, Rector of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa (SSSA).
“The incorporation of the University of São Paulo and the Technical University of Moldova strengthens the international dimension of EELISA. For UPM, having a long-standing and natural partner in Latin America, as well as a strategic technological university in Eastern Europe, expands our opportunities for collaboration and consolidates an alliance with a truly global outlook”. Óscar García, Rector of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
“The enlargement of the EELISA alliance with our new partners reinforces international cooperation, broadens research networks, and creates new educational opportunities. The diverse technological and social backgrounds they bring enrich innovation, support sustainability and equal opportunity, and enhance the global impact of European engineering education”. Hassan Charaf, Rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
