Scuola Normale and Sant’Anna School selected by the European Commission to join the EELISA - European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance with seven research centers and universities in France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Romania and Hungary
On July 9, 2020, the European Commission announced Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant’Anna School (Pisa) will join the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA) to create a common framework for a European engineer rooted in society and deliver interdisciplinary education and technical competence within European boundaries.
To develop meaningful multi- and interdisciplinary learning for 180,000 students, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain) as the Coordinator, and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary), Friderich-Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg (Germany), Istanbul Technical University (Turkey), Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (France), Polytechnic University of Bucharest (Romania), and the Université PSL (France) will join the EELISA network.
Earlier this year the EU Commission called for proposals to build the European Universities transnational alliances. 62 proposals aimed to contribute to the realignment of education in Europe as part of the ongoing discussion with the Commission helping set the model for the European Universities initiative beyond 2025. Normale and Sant’Anna were successful in this round of applications. Each alliance will receive Horizon 2020 Erasmus + scheme up to 5 million euros over three years to start implementing the national plans with the support of regional authorities; higher education institutions Normale and Sant’Anna in Pisa will receive the support of Tuscany Region authority in developing initiatives that facilitate cultural exchange, mutual support and integration with the local community.
In total, 165 higher education institutions participated in this Call 2020. 24 new European Universities will join the first 17 alliances of higher education institutions selected in 2019. 12 Italian universities will add to the 11 Italian Institutions selected in 2019.
“By driving forward the higher education sector, the Scuola Normale Superiore will be an excellent setting to implement the European Universities strategy – said Normale Rector’s Delegate for internationalization Francesco Benigno - The success of this initiative appears vital into a long-term effort for further European integration.”
“Establishing this European universities network will offer Sant’Anna School students stronger connections than transnational collaborations – said Sant’Anna Rector’s Delegate for internationalization Andrea Mina - The relationship between higher education and scientific research will be strengthened. Together with our partners, we will develop a shared vision for European higher education, enlarge the alliances and achieve higher ambitions.”
