Following a challenging 2020, Arqus – the European University Alliance, comprising the University of Graz and six partners – has some ambitious plans for 2021. Over the next few weeks, the people at the University of Graz who are involved in the Arqus alliance will be reporting on what it has achieved so far and what objectives it has set itself for this year.
The final part of this series is a double interview with the Rector, Martin Polaschek and Helmut Eberhart, academic coordinator for the Arqus alliance in Graz
What added value does a European higher education alliance like Arqus offer, in broad terms?
Martin Polaschek: A network always has several advantages: while other forms of collaboration often stand or fall on the commitment of certain individuals, the Alliance is intended to be a long-term, sustainable collaboration. Being part of a combined package, so to speak, also increases the international visibility of each of the seven individual partner universities. Newly established structures mean that in future we will be able to initiate discussions on a wide range of topics with colleagues from other European countries more quickly – not only on academic matters but also issues concerning the education of our students and professional development of our staff. This is a chance for our seven universities to become role models at European level: institutions for research, teaching and learning whose work is relevant for society and includes developing solutions for the grand challenges of our time.
Helmut Eberhart: For this reason it is very important that the members of our university see Arqus not as a forced obligation, but as an opportunity. For the 60 or so people who are actively involved in the alliance here in Graz, and are driving its activities forward, this does of course add an extra dimension to their work. But this is what creates benefits for others: for researchers, students, colleagues, industry representatives and the City of Graz itself. The coronavirus pandemic has slowed Arqus down, of course. But we hope to make the most of this year and are developing a range of formats for more active participation in exchanges and visits again in 2022.
As you see it, what are the key objectives that the Arqus partner universities should be targeting in 2021?
Eberhart: Through Arqus we have the potential to open up new pathways for young colleagues wanting to pursue an academic career. There are options from master’s level onwards right through to the post-graduate phase. And established researchers who already have long-standing personal international connections will be able to expand these. So this year it will be important to raise people’s awareness of Arqus, both within the university and beyond.
Polaschek: Of course, the activities within the alliance will need to be constantly evaluated, adapted and further developed. That has already been happening over the last few months, as far as COVID-19 permits. But we should now be looking ahead to a post-pandemic era: once travel becomes possible again, established networks such as Arqus can ease entry or re-entry into an internationally active academic life.
What is the role of our university within the Alliance?
Polaschek: Our university is certainly one of the most active within the Alliance. We have developed a reputation not only for tackling the jobs allocated to us with energy and commitment, but also for engaging pro-actively in conceptual and coordinating processes. In addition to the EU financing for the Horizon 2020 project “Arqus R.I.”, Arqus has also been allocated funding of €225,000 from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. The City of Graz also provides funding for the activities planned under Action Line (AL) 6, to support young researchers. Because we are the coordinators for AL6, our university is responsible for the substance and content of a key element of the alliance.
Once we have the coronavirus pandemic under control, what is the first thing you would like to do in connection with the Arqus alliance?
Polaschek: I would very much like to invite our European partners to visit Graz. It should at last be possible to set up an opportunity, over one or several days, for dialogue between researchers, students, staff members and also local entrepreneurs.
Eberhart: After COVID-19 we will have to consider what our responsibilities are towards a society which is rediscovering an appreciation of scientific research. It will be more important than ever for our future to inspire enthusiasm for research amongst young colleagues, and to invite them to collaborate with like-minded people within the Arqus alliance to formulate and realise ideas for new projects.