IE University joins CIVICA, the leading alliance of European Universities of Social Sciences

IE University has become a new member of CIVICA – The European University of Social Sciences, that will unite ten leading European higher education institutions in the social sciences, humanities, business management and public policy. The expanded alliance will connect more than 72,000 students & (post)doctoral researchers, and 20,000 academic and administrative staff across Europe. 

With the inclusion of IE University and SGH Warsaw School of Economics, the alliance is anchored even more firmly in Europe and reflects the diversity of higher education across the continent. The profile of the two new partners is closely aligned with the one shared by the existing CIVICA members in terms of expertise, core values, and university culture, but it also brings complementary strengths to the table. 

“IE University is delighted to join CIVICA and to become part of Europe’s most prominent alliance of social science universities.”
Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University and Dean of IE School of Global and Public Affairs

“Through our membership of CIVICA we intend to forward joint research projects, faculty collaborations, enhance student experience, innovate on our pedagogy, and foster new alliances and collaborations both within and outside of Europe. In these extraordinary times of turbulence, it is important to reaffirm our commitment to university collaboration and to the project of European integration.”

“We are thrilled to welcome IE University and SGH to our alliance.”
Kate Vivian, Acting Vice President for International Affairs at Sciences Po and Alliance Coordinator

“Both institutions have extensive international experience and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical innovation and engagement with society. Our alliance will not only expand its size, but become stronger with new approaches, new opportunities and new capabilities to address current and emerging challenges. I look forward to seeing our combined impact as an ambitious, future-oriented European alliance that will amplify the voice of social sciences on the global stage.” 

As new members of CIVICA, IE University and SGH join Bocconi University (Italy), Central European University (Austria), European University Institute (Intergovernmental), Hertie School (Germany), National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (Romania), Sciences Po (France), Stockholm School of Economics (Sweden) and The London School of Economics and Political Sciences (United Kingdom). 

The expansion and deeper integration of CIVICA are part of an ambitious strategy jointly developed by the ten members and submitted to the European Commission’s call for further funding under the Erasmus+ programme. The proposal is a major step towards CIVICA’s long-standing goal to build a fully-fledged European University alliance.

A DRIVING FORCE IN EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Since its founding in 2019, CIVICA has worked to establish a truly European inter-university campus. In doing so, it has piloted EU’s flagship initiative to enhance strategic partnerships in European higher education and research. CIVICA members have drawn on their joint expertise and shared European values to offer students and staff innovative, transnational opportunities in education, research and civic engagement, with special emphasis on digital innovation and an overarching mission to serve European societies.

CIVICA’s vision for 2030 aims to deepen and expand activities in key areas such as education, research, service to society, innovation and lifelong learning; to develop a diverse and inclusive CIVICA community; further global outreach; establish CIVICA’s lead role in the social sciences; and set up a framework for sustainable institutional cooperation.  

Consistent with its mission, CIVICA will continue to serve local and global communities, defend core European values, foster environmental sustainability, and advance policy-relevant research in the social sciences. Yet, the focus will remain on the alliance’s internal communities. Between autumn 2022 and autumn 2026, thousands of students and (post)doctoral researchers are expected to benefit from enhanced mobility, new and expanded joint educational offers, and Europe-wide opportunities for civic engagement and extracurricular activities.  

In the wake of recent events, the alliance’s focus on international cooperation becomes even more relevant. The future work programme includes actions to support scholars and students who are at risk due to the war in Ukraine. 

“In these times of increased uncertainty, our long-term vision reaffirms our role as an open academic community founded on tolerance, justice and solidarity.”
Mathias Vicherat, President of Sciences Po and CIVICA’s Coordinator

“CIVICA strives to be a stabilising force for its members and for Europe at large, firmly supporting innovation, excellence, autonomy and academic freedom. Our members have pledged collective action to help displaced scholars and students, and will contribute sustainable, peaceful solutions to unprecedented societal challenges.”  

The results of European Commission call will be announced in summer 2022 and, pending a positive decision, CIVICA will launch its new activities in October 2022.

Read more about CIVICA.