For Researchers

UP University Alliance is a powerful vehicle to elevate academic excellence and social impact, rooted in our shared commitment to Responsible Living for the Next Generation. This vision shapes our active involvement in embedding European values—such as sustainability, inclusion, and civic responsibility—into our research, both academic and applied.

We believe that true innovation can only emerge through collaboration between science, society, and business, both regionally and internationally. UP University offers access to a strong network of partners and allies who share values and strive toward the same goal: Responsible Living for future generations.

What can UP University offer to researchers?

UP University grants access to a European research ecosystem

• Cross-institutional research creates dynamic research opportunities that combine fundamental and applied perspectives.

• Multidisciplinary collaboration: through UP University, researchers have exposure to a wider and complimentary range of expertise, methodologies, and disciplines.

• Training for research support staff: Building a professional community across institutions.

• UP University can offer more visibility: Co-authorship and joint projects increase citations, recognition and knowledge transfer across Europe.

• UP Academy offers a platform to researchers to share information.

• Better societal relevance through collaboration across regions.

Stronger funding opportunities

• Competitive edge in EU funding: Stronger position when applying for Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), etc.

• Joint grant applications increase the chance for funding: Pooling of expertise and administrative support for large-scale research proposals. Being part of a European University Alliance might increase the success rate for partners.

• Small-scale seed funding and pilot projects: Internal consortium funds can kickstart small collaborative ideas and help develop scalable projects.

Stronger links between academic and applied research

Through the mix of applied and academic institutions within UP University, researchers can make real-world impact through existing ties with industry, public institutions, and NGOs via applied research partners.

Researcher mobility and career development

• Exchange programmes for researchers

• Networking and mentorship opportunities: Conferences, summer schools, and thematic working groups across institutions.

Richer supervision and training for PhD Students

• Broaden doctoral candidates' academic networks and support.

• Joint doctoral programmes: Mobility, shared seminars, and exposure to international academic culture.

Alignment with European priorities can shape a shared research strategy

• Strategic alignment: Developing shared research priorities aligned with the European Research Area (ERA) will have more impact to support local, national and European policy goals.

• Social impact and citizen engagement: European universities as platforms for engaged research.

UP University offers visibility, recognition, and prestige

• Stronger international reputation and publication reach: Branding and coauthorship through a European alliance attracts top talent and partners.

• Benchmarking and best practices: Learning from peers to strengthen institutional research culture.