Opportunities for researchers

EUTOPIA aims to contribute to a more cohesive European Research Area through various initiatives, with a particular focus on early-career researchers at EUTOPIA member universities. Cooperation is possible at Alliance level with European partners and in some cases with the Alliance's global partners.

Connected Communities are integrated thematic networks where teachers, researchers, and students cooperate in cross-campus knowledge activities. They do not impose change but aim to strengthen existing good practices in challenge-based learning and research by creating inter-university connectedness at a European scale.

Who can apply? Teachers and researchers from all ten member universities and Global Alliance partners.

How to apply? Connected Communities are established through annual calls for applications, in which Alliance member universities identify candidates for leadership roles in future Connected Communities. These leaders are permanent staff members of EUTOPIA partner universities and are willing and motivated to network with colleagues working on related topics at other Alliance member universities or Global Alliance partners. To find out more about future calls for Connected Communities, please contact your local coordinator at your member university. For more information on connected communities, please contact the local office at the University of Ljubljana at eutopia.more@uni-lj.si

The ambition of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy (YLA) is to support research exchanges between high-potential, early to mid-career researchers from all EUTOPIA partner universities and support their career development.

Members of the EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy constitute a community of promising independent research leaders at the scale of EUTOPIA, sharing and promoting European values and the EUTOPIA vision of an interconnected academic environment. The members are comprised of early to mid-career researchers, between 2 to 12 years after PhD completion, appointed for a period of 2 years.

EUTOPIA Young Leaders Academy Fellows are given the opportunity:

To develop their research leadership skills through a dedicated training programme
To take part in interdisciplinary scholarly exchange and research networking activities among Fellows and with the broader EUTOPIA research community
To initiate research collaborations within the EUTOPIA Alliance
To contribute to the development of a challenge-based and student-shaped curriculum through the development of research-led learning units open to undergraduate and graduate students
To act as EUTOPIA ambassadors, contributing to the Alliance’s activities and fostering the emergence of an integrated research community at the EUTOPIA scale

At EUTOPIA, we are committed to maximising the impact of its research by implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on engagement, communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity building. This policy outlines EUTOPIA member universities’ steps to ensure their research addresses real-world problems and contributes meaningfully to society. We value engaging with stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public. Fostering relationships with these groups ensures that EUTOPIA’s research remains relevant and responsive to societal needs.

EUTOPIA is developing capacity building for its researchers to support the practical application of research. This includes training programs focused on impact-driven research approaches and skills development workshops. One notable example is the EUTOPIA Impact Schools, which offer specialised research training. By equipping researchers with the necessary skills and knowledge, EUTOPIA ensures that their work can have a tangible and positive impact on society.

The EUTOPIA Review is a place to showcase renewed and creative ideas and to provide a space for discussion while facilitating collaborative, cross-disciplinary and research-based approaches. Bringing together voices across Europe and the world will give a perspective on critical issues and contribute to shaping the European policymaking process. In areas such as humanities, science and technology, where abrupt shifts often present complex ethical and societal challenges, the publication could help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Science diplomacy refers to activities at the intersection of science and foreign policy. In its essence, it is the use of scientific collaborations, knowledge-sharing, and evidence-based decision-making in the realm of international relations. Science diplomacy is a growing field that aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of science and diplomacy by bringing together scientific experts, policy-makers, and diplomats to address issues of mutual interest.

It was with this potential in mind that drove EUTOPIA to become the only European university alliance with a dedicated commitment to science diplomacy. Together, the partner universities will develop a common understanding of science diplomacy through a series of seminars and trainings. Through these activities, EUTOPIA aims to strengthen the role of science diplomacy in addressing global challenges, promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders, and foster a more collaborative and inclusive approach to science and innovation. More information on the link.

EUTOPIA is composed of ten European members and six global partner universities. Early-career researchers can take part in an Erasmus+ Short-Term Intensive Programme with students.

Doctoral students can do part of their full-time studies, practical training, research work or the preparation of their PhD thesis at a partner university instead of at their home institution.

Academic staff can undertake teaching at one of the partner universities, which is facilitated by Erasmus+ Training for Teaching or Erasmus+ STA Staff Mobility for Teaching.