EPICUR broadens its European reach with the integration of three new partner universities
EPICUR, the European Partnership for an Innovative Campus Unifying Regions, is entering a renewed phase of strategic development from the academic year 2026-2027. The alliance strengthens its academic foundations while extending its European reach to Spain, Italy and Switzerland.
Founded in 2019, EPICUR brings together historic and research-intensive universities that have shaped European knowledge for centuries.
From 2026-2027 onwards, EPICUR will welcome three new partner universities: Pablo de Olavide University (Spain), Roma Tre University (Italy), and University of Basel (Switzerland) as an associated partner.
Pablo de Olavide University, founded in 1997 and the youngest public university of Southern Spain, together with Roma Tre University, established in 1992, bring strong regional engagement in Southern Europe and dynamic interdisciplinary profiles, enhancing EPICUR’s diversity and innovation capacity. The University of Basel, founded in 1460 and the oldest university in Switzerland, adds a long-standing tradition of research excellence.
Their integration reinforces the alliance’s academic depth, strengthens its presence in Southern Europe, and consolidates bilateral cooperation within the Upper Rhine cross-border ecosystem.
At the same time, the University of Amsterdam will conclude its participation in EPICUR at the end of the current funding phase in October 2026, as it joins the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH). The UvA has been a full member of the EPICUR alliance since its establishment in 2019. EPICUR is grateful for the shared achievements, cooperation and knowledge gained during UvA’s participation and wishes every success in its continued journey and new alliance membership.
With its renewed configuration, EPICUR unites 280,000 students, 29,000 academics and 17,000 administrative staff across 9 countries and 7 European languages in addition to English, consolidating its position as a strong and diverse European academic community.
The Alliance will pursue its ambition to evolve into a Confederation of Universities, deepening structurally embedded cooperation in education, research, innovation and societal impact. By interlinking regional innovation ecosystems and strengthening its shared frameworks, the alliance consolidates its role as a mature and credible actor in a renewed dynamic contributing to Europe’s resilience, innovation capacity and social cohesion within the European Universities Initiative.
It is in this configuration that EPICUR has submitted its application under the Erasmus+ European Universities call for proposals for a two-year project extension, subject to the outcome of the evaluation process.