TUS becomes first Irish university to lead a European university alliance

THE TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has made history by becoming the first Irish university to lead a European university alliance.

During the inaugural meeting of the Regional University Network – European University (RUN-EU) held in the TUS Moylish Campus, TUS played host to the presidents of partner higher education institutions (HEI) from seven countries, including new members from Belgium and Spain.

RUN-EU is an alliance of eight like-minded higher education institutions drawn from all regions of Europe. Established in 2020 under the European Universities Initiative. The inaugural meeting marked the second cycle of RUN-EU.

Together, the universities focused on creating a regional development-oriented European University that embodies the values of sustainability, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness in all its work.

The presidents, led by Ireland’s first president of a European University, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane, also met with Limerick City and County Council and other regional stakeholders, highlighting the importance and opportunity of the TUS leadership to the regions it serves.

Welcoming his European colleagues Mr Cunnane said: "Today marks another significant milestone in the history of our young University. I am honoured to be the first Irish President of a European University and I have no doubt that RUN-EU will make a meaningful difference not just to our University but to all of the regions we serve, through innovative programmes, research, engagement and mobility of students, staff and partners.”

TUS VP for Research Development and Innovation Dr Liam Brown added, "Drawing on the expertise of the alliance which is now in excess of 100,000 students and staff, RUN-EU will make a significant impact across the key societal challenges of the digital and green transitions along with social inclusion."

Today’s launch signifies a pivotal moment in the alliance’s evolution as it transitions to its next phase. The RUN-EU 2.0 project, spanning four years has already secured €14.4 million from the European Commission’s ERASMUS programme.

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The primary objective of RUN-EU is to revolutionise the competitiveness of Irish and European education, by creating a seamless pathway of mobility for staff and students fostering a culture of collaboration, as well as enhancing training, study and research opportunities.

Through strategic collaborations with local government, industry and institutions such as local authorities, IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, RUN-EU is poised to create, facilitate and strengthen regional development with a European-oriented focus.

Currently, 12 Irish Universities are actively contributing to the broader EU Commission’s ambitions of developing over 60 European universities by 2025. TUS is currently the only Irish university to lead an alliance.