CESAER

CESAER. The Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research is a prominent nonprofit organization representing leading universities of science and technology across the European continent. Established to strengthen the voice of these institutions in European policy debates, it actively engages with bodies like the European Commission and the European Parliament. Its membership comprises over fifty prestigious universities dedicated to excellence in engineering education, fundamental research, and applied innovation.

History

The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of influential European engineering schools, including Technische Universität Darmstadt, École Centrale Paris, and Politecnico di Milano, during a period of significant transformation following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Its creation was driven by the need for a unified voice to shape the emerging European Higher Education Area and to influence Framework Programmes for Research and Technological Development. Key milestones in its development include advocating for the Bologna Process, contributing to the formation of the European Research Area, and expanding its membership to include institutions from across the European Union and associated countries like Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to champion the role of its member universities as engines of sustainable development and societal progress. Primary objectives include influencing European Union policies on research funding, innovation ecosystems, and academic mobility programs such as Erasmus+. It seeks to foster collaboration among leading institutions to address grand challenges outlined in strategies like Horizon Europe and the European Green Deal. Furthermore, it aims to promote the highest standards in engineering accreditation and to enhance the global visibility and attractiveness of European science and technology education.

Membership and structure

Membership is composed of over fifty universities specializing in advanced engineering and technological sciences, including renowned institutions like Delft University of Technology, RWTH Aachen University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. The governance structure is led by a President, currently Rik Van de Walle of Ghent University, and a Board of Directors elected from the member institutions. Day-to-day operations are managed by a Secretary General and a permanent Secretariat located in Leuven, Belgium. The organization operates through various thematic task forces and working groups focused on areas like digital transformation, open science, and university-business cooperation.

Activities and initiatives

Key activities involve high-level advocacy with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. It organizes major events such as the annual CESAER General Assembly and thematic workshops on topics like artificial intelligence and climate-neutral cities. Notable initiatives include projects to define the future of engineering education, partnerships with industry leaders like Siemens and Philips, and contributions to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. It also facilitates joint statements and position papers on critical issues affecting the European research landscape.

Publications and resources

The organization produces a range of influential documents, including policy papers, position statements, and reports on trends in higher education and research policy. These publications are often presented to key stakeholders at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. It maintains a comprehensive online resource library and a regular newsletter detailing its engagements with initiatives like Horizon Europe and the European Universities Initiative. These materials serve as critical reference points for member institutions, policymakers, and partners across the global academic community.

Category:Engineering organizations Category:International educational organizations Category:Organizations based in Leuven Category:Organizations established in 1990