EPICUR, as part of the broader European University Alliances initiative spearheaded by the European Commission, embodies a vision aimed at transforming higher education across Europe. These alliances bring together research-intensive universities to foster deeper collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation.
One of EPICUR’s core missions is to boost research and innovation beyond borders and across disciplines. The alliance places a strong emphasis on empowering future and early career researchers to engage in international, trans-/interdisciplinary collaboration, tackle current societal challenges and develop the skills and competencies necessary for pursuing a successful career in research across a variety of sectors. Through the core projects EPICUR-Research (2021-2024) and EPICUR SHAPE-IT (2022-2026), the alliance endeavours to further these goals.
Amidst the turbulence of far-reaching societal, natural, and digital changes, robust scientific research stands out as a steadfast source of reliable knowledge. EPICUR is uniquely positioned to integrate the latest scientific discoveries and research outcomes directly into educational programmes across its member institutions. This initiative ensures that master’s students and early career researchers (ECRs) are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving world. Such an approach not only enhances educational quality but also cultivates a culture of critical thinking and innovation among students, researchers, and faculty.
Simultaneously, EPICUR acknowledges the increasingly complex environment in which universities and their researchers operate. Career paths in academia have diversified, requiring universities to prepare academics for careers inside as well as outside of academia. Furthermore, those remaining in academia are expected to excel not only in productivity and impact but also in collaborative settings, both within and beyond the university, demonstrating how their research benefits society.
To address these evolving challenges, EPICUR is committed to providing enhanced training opportunities for current and future researchers, including specialised training in transversal skills such as developing an entrepreneurial mindset, engaging in Citizen Science , science communication, project management, leadership, and digital literacy. Additionally, EPICUR aims to foster intersectoral exchanges and community engagement with regional stakeholders. This will be achieved through the establishment of the so-called “EPICUR Hubs”.
The EPICUR Hubs have been developed based on previous formats and offerings tested during the first phase of EPICUR Education and in the context of EPICUR-Research, with continuous input from the Early Career Researchers Board and a dedicated Hubs expert group. Visit the Opportunities page for more details on the Hubs, which will be launched in April 2025.
For more information regarding research and EPICUR’s research-related offerings, please feel free to browse the following pages:
For more information about how EPICUR’s offerings in the area of research benefit current and future researchers, please visit the page You are a Researcher.
