Eight European universities and cities tackle societal challenges together

At the signing of a Joint Declaration on Engaged Research in the City of Oulu, Finland on 15 June, eight universities and cities, who are part of the UNIC European University of Post-Industrial Cities , committed to developing a common approach to engaging communities and their cities in advancing research and innovation to make a difference in people's lives. Bringing Europeans together across languages and borders. The Declaration, a first for Europe, champions 'Engaged Research', which is an approach that involves local people and communities, NGO's and Municipalities, working together with Universities to collectively decide on what is to be researched and involving societal partners in all stages of the research process. This grassroots up approach leads the way in bringing Europeans together across different languages and borders, to participate as active members in shaping flourishing, compassionate, enlightened societies, and sustainable economies, informed by the power of research and evidence. "Meaningfully involving people in research and innovation is key to the long-term success of our cities and universities" "Meaningfully involving people in research and innovation is key to the long-term success of our cities and universities. Today, in a first of its kind in Europe, this Declaration on Engaged Research marks a pioneering step for realising the ambitions of the EU Commission's European Education Area and the European Research Area", says Professor Ed Brinksma, President of the Executive Board of the Erasmus University Rotterdam.