At a time when funding and international reputation are based predominantly on research activities, universities are shining a new light on their important role as education institutions. Members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) are taking a look at how they can provide the best possible student education for the twenty-first century, in these days of political and economic challenge.
This LERU position paper, ‘Excellent education in research-rich universities’, analyses the characteristics of excellent education. Considering the different ways in which education and research are connected in research-intensive universities, it illustrates some of the diverse ways in which LERU universities are changing their approach towards education, for the benefit of both students and wider society.
In research-rich universities across Europe, opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to benefit actively from research undertaken at their university are growing. Students’ engagement with research contributes to the development of skills much needed by society today, including critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis of evidence and ethical awareness. However, research also benefits from researchers’ involvement in teaching and from students’ inputs to investigations and analysis. This is especially the case in courses where students are actively engaged in research and inquiry throughout their studies - they bring fresh approaches and insights to the field.
LERU advocates that in striving for excellent education it is crucial to recognise, support and celebrate educational leadership. “Educational leaders are not just excellent teachers”, comments Professor Dilly Fung, co-author of the paper. “They can motivate and involve others. They show vision and have the capacity to implement changes in practice. University leaders at all levels should ensure that educational leaders have stimulating opportunities for development and for creative collaboration with their peers, and that they are rewarded highly for their contribution.”
Analysing the current situation in research-rich universities, the paper also makes recommendations to universities and policy makers, at both national and EU levels, about how it can be further enhanced. Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary-General of LERU explains: “Policy makers talk about a knowledge triangle, but their narrative often excludes education. With this paper, LERU wants to emphasise that we do cherish and stimulate this angle of the triangle. Policy makers should do the same. At EU level for instance, there is much talk of synergies between Structural Funding and Horizon 2020. Why not, in the future, consider the synergies between the successors of Horizon and Erasmus +?”