The Universitas 21 network connects top universities from all continents. The membership will create new opportunities for students and staff.
The University of Helsinki has been accepted as a member of the prestigious Universitas 21 (U21) network . Connecting world-leading universities around the world, the network will offer new opportunities for all members of the University community. The membership will significantly strengthen the University of Helsinki's global collaboration.
"The Universitas 21 network will provide us with entirely new opportunities for global collaboration. The network includes many high-ranking universities, from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, with which the University of Helsinki wants to establish strong, new collaboration. Additionally, many important European partners from Una Europa and LERU are involved. The excellent partners and concrete opportunities offered by the network make it attractive," says Rector of the University of Helsinki Sari Lindblom.
Mobility, collaboration, and sharing best practices
For students, the network offers a wide range of intercultural opportunities designed to develop essential skills for our interconnected world with a strong focus on sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). These include international programmes, awards and networking opportunities. For example, the Universitas 21 Sustainable Micro-internships bring students together to develop and pitch solutions to real-life Sustainable Development Goals posed by global organisations.
For researchers, the network provides numerous opportunities including thesis competitions that support doctoral researchers' communication skills, and workshops for early career development to expand international networks and develop interdisciplinary research projects. Mid-career researchers can benefit from training programmes focused on adopting a resilient mindset and thriving in the research environment. The network also facilitates a variety of collaborative research initiatives.
For University staff, seed funding is available for new collaborations. Communities of Practice also provide a route for all staff within the network to gain new professional perspectives, share ideas and resources and make important international links by connecting with their counterparts and peers from across the world.
For the University of Helsinki, Universitas 21 is also interesting because it emphasises sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion - values to which the University of Helsinki is strongly committed.
Much to gain and much to offer
The responsibility for the Universitas 21 collaboration will be overseen by Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman.
"We have much to gain from the network, but we also have much to offer with our expertise. I am particularly pleased with how U21 strengthens our own Global Program me and its worldwide reach with the best partners," Hanna Snellman emphasises.
Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost of Universitas 21 commented: "We are delighted to welcome the University of Helsinki to the U21 network. With its strong international reputation, diverse community, and commitment to global partnerships and EDI, Helsinki is an outstanding addition to our membership."
Helsinki's strengths in university pedagogy, life sciences, Arctic, climate and education research, and strong African partnerships will greatly enrich the U21 community. We look forward to the contributions and fresh perspectives they will bring."
