The European Excellence Initiative (EEI) aims to enhance the excellence of science and knowledge valorization across Europe's universities through deeper and geographically inclusive strategic cooperation. This initiative focuses on raising the overall level of research excellence in higher education institutions, particularly in less research-intensive institutions and countries, to reduce disparities and improve global competitiveness. The EEI supports the implementation of the European strategy empowering higher education institutions for the future of Europe and contributes to the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda.
The objectives of the EEI are to:
- Modernize and upgrade higher education institutions in the research and innovation (R&I) dimension through integrated collaboration.
- Mainstream a culture of excellence in science and knowledge valorization among higher education institutions, especially in widening countries.
- Accelerate institutional reforms and strengthen R&I capacities in higher education institutions, leading to better research careers.
- Enhance digital skills and capacities, including artificial intelligence, in the R&I dimension of the higher education sector.
- Increase global competitiveness and critical mass of research in the European higher education system.
- Contribute to implementing the ERA Policy Agenda actions in the higher education sector.
The EEI supports networks or alliances of higher education institutions to collaborate and create critical mass in key strategic areas. Activities focus on R&I conducted in the higher education sector, excluding educational activities such as master's or doctoral programs. Proposals should address at least four modules, including institutional modernization, upskilling staff, developing research excellence, digital transformation, and outreach.
Expenditures for R&I activities must not exceed 20% of the total budget and should be presented in a dedicated work package. The actions should have a duration appropriate to the ambition and complexity of the alliance, not exceeding five years.
Opening Date: 08 May 2025
Deadline: 20 November 2025
