Why European Universities matter - part 4

In this article, we take a closer look at the University of Basel's participation in EPICUR through Eucor - European universities are reshaping the higher education landscape by strategically strengthening international cooperation in teaching and research and promoting student mobility. In a four-part series, we show how these alliances are driving innovative learning and mobility formats.

Focus: Educational and mobility formats for the future

European university alliances provide a platform for institutions to develop innovative mobility programmes, including Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) and joint programmes. By fostering collaboration and experimentation, they play a key role in shaping the future of learning and international cooperation. In this article, we explore how the participation of the University of Basel in EPICUR via Eucor makes room for inventiveness and promotes new types of courses such as EPIC Missions. 

The University of Lausanne has been a member of the CIVIS Alliance since 2022. This partnership aims to develop innovative study and research programmes on global societal challenges. Through formats such as Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) and joint master's programmes, it promotes interdisciplinary and transnational learning experiences.

ETH Zurich has been a member of the ENHANCE Alliance since 2022. This collaboration with leading European technical universities enables the development of innovative mobility opportunities for students and promotes international experience in interdisciplinary areas such as sustainability and inclusion.

The University of Zurich has been part of the Una Europa alliance since May 2022. This cooperation with European research universities promotes innovative teaching methods and strengthens its presence in the European education and research landscape.

University of Basel’s participation in EPICUR via Eucor

EPICUR is a European University alliance with nine partner universities, in which the University of Basel participates through its membership in Eucor – The European Campus, a trinational alliance of five universities in the border region between Germany, France and Switzerland. The EPICUR alliance seeks to strengthen cooperation in university teaching, digital transformation, and student mobility. It aims to transform education and research, developing innovative solutions and training future European change agents to tackle society's most pressing challenges.

“Thanks to the innovative EPICUR courses, students at the University of Basel can work in international teams on socially relevant issues involving real stakeholders. In this way, they acquire project management and foreign language skills as well as intercultural competences. A perfect preparation for the career entry of our students, regardless of whether they work in multilingual Switzerland, from Switzerland with international partners or in other European countries.” 

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, President of the University of Basel

EPICUR brings together nine European universities to strengthen and expand the institutional cooperation initiated during the pilot project (2019–2022) through the EPICUR-SHAPE-IT project (2022–2026). The focus is on developing joint courses on socially relevant topics, innovative teaching formats, and sustainable structures to enhance the educational offering. UNIBAS actively participates in the alliance as a member of the EUCOR network.

The alliance as a safe space for experimentation 

The coordination within an alliance requires a structure that provides direction through a shared vision while allowing space for bottom-up initiativesIn doing so, it creates an environment where new educational approaches can be tested and refined, benefiting all participants. Students, in particular, benefit from this collaborative space by engaging in innovative learning formats and gaining valuable international experiences. 

“Participation in a European University alliance inspires the University of Basel to develop innovative teaching formats in an international context. The alliance offers fertile ground and a reliable partnership network. We have entered into a long-term strategic agreement, work together in a spirit of trust, and learn together in a space for experimentation. The financial resources also provide impetus and stabilise the collaborations.” 

Dr. Christine Meyer Richli, Deputy General Secretary and Head of Eucor & EPICUR, University of Basel

International projects to solve real-world issues

One outcome of this collaborative experimentation within the alliance is the creation of EPIC Missions. These are group projects where interdisciplinary teams of students from across Europe come together to solve real-world problems on behalf of real stakeholders. The EPIC Mission format blends short-term physical mobility with long-term virtual collaboration, offering students a dynamic, hands-on approach to problem-solving. 

EPIC Missions are group projects in which students from across Europe come together to solve real-world problems for real-world stakeholders with the academic support of their mission guides.

Christine Meyer Richli highlights that the EPIC Missions are an ideal addition to the existing range of courses, as they are particularly practical and teach career-orientated skills alongside specialist knowledge. The teaching format is both innovative and challenging. Students work in international teams on socially relevant issues involving real stakeholders. This prepares them optimally for a career start at home and abroad, as they acquire skills in project management, foreign languages and interculturality.

“The EPIC Mission provided me with a unique opportunity to collaborate with students from other universities, each bringing different expertise and cultural backgrounds to the table. [ … ]  This experience not only enriched me personally but also equipped me with valuable skills for my future career. I learned how to effectively work with a diverse group of people, all pulling together towards a common goal.” 

Claudia Schmutz, student at the University of Basel

Illustrative examples

//1 EPIC Missions 2023 Kick-off in Poznan: 20 students met at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan for the EPIC mission. Their task? To take on real challenges on behalf of external stakeholders from the various EPICUR regions over a period of six months.

//2 with EPICUR to Poland - Students on an international mission

//3 Testimonial EPIC Mission 

Further Links

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