Rector of UI to lead meeting of Nordic university rectors and EU representatives

Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, gave the opening address at the Nordic University Days event in Brussels today where over 60 rectors from all Nordic countries are meeting with representatives from the EU Commission, the European Research Council, permanent EU representatives and delegations and the European Parliament. 

Iceland is leading NUS, the Nordic University Association, until 2024 and is thus representing the association at the conference. As the chair of NUS, Jón Atli will play a key role today.

This meeting will give representatives from Nordic universities an excellent opportunity to talk with EU representatives about Nordic priorities in higher education, research and innovation, as well as the focus of future strategic planning for EU frameworks: Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

Continuing success in the Nordic countries

The conference will centre around the continuing success of Nordic universities, many of which are placed among the world's best universities in respected rankings. Academic freedom will also be a major topic of discussion, looking at universities in the context of global development and scientific policy and thinking about the introduction of a common European research and education area. 

Numerous talks will be given at the meeting, many on the future of European research, innovation and education. All this is related to the European vision for higher education 2030. 

There is a European strategic framework for higher education, which emphasises opportunities for a digital revolution in university operations, as well as the importance of increased collaboration in research, innovation and teaching. Large numbers of universities in Europe, including Nordic universities, have already established these kinds of collaborative networks. The University of Iceland is in fact leading the Aurora Alliance, of which Jón Atli is the chair. Aurora is a network of 10 European universities with a shared commitment to excellence in all key aspects of higher education. 

The Nordic University Days conference was first held in 2019 and should take place every other year, a plan which was unfortunately disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.