On 6–7 October 2016 Prof. Stanisław Kistryn, JU Vice-Rector for Research and Structural Funds, took part in the third European University Association forum dedicated to key issues related to funding science and higher education institutions. This year, the forum took place at the University of Porto. Its formula is very unique, since it allows for an open discussion between students, staff, experts, local government, and business representatives.
This year, the participants focused on issues related to efficient financial management and effective knowledge dissemination in higher education institutions. Higher education needs to be perceived as an investment. The models of managing and funding higher education institutions need to be revised and improved to match the current geopolitical situation in Europe and the world. Presently, the public sector is under significant pressure and therefore requires optimization of higher education funding.
The meeting also featured the first summary of the Horizon 2020 programme – the largest higher education and science funding project in the European Union to date. Nearly 90 billion euro will be appropriated to this project in the years 2016–2020. There was also a discussion on the influence of the economic crisis in Europe on higher education institutions.
European University Association is one of the most prominent European organisations bringing together higher education institutions. It aims to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information. It comprises 39 Polish higher education institutions, including the Jagiellonian University.
