Our alliance
Applied sciences for a more sustainable future.
About U!REKA
U!REKA European University binds together a powerful network of applied sciences institutions dedicated to making urban sustainability a reality. By bridging challenge-based education with collaborative, regional research, we deliver the practical solutions our cities need right now.
European collaboration is the beating heart of our Alliance, inspiring all of us to expand our horizons and gain skills that reach far beyond the usual.
Mona Roman, 2026 – Lead Coordinator
Partners
U!REKA is a vibrant alliance, bringing together 30 partners from across Europe.
Our European University includes higher education institutions, cities and municipalities, regional councils, prominent European networks and non-profit organizations.
Universities
Cities and municipalities
Regional or district councils and ministries
European Networks
Other partners
Values
Our values were shaped through a collaborative process involving students, staff, and partners across Europe. They guide how we work, learn, and innovate together. They form the mindset behind our mission and are embedded across our education, research, and partnerships.
1. Inclusion
We build a welcoming and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. We value diverse perspectives and work to remove barriers so that all voices are heard and respected. Inclusion is a continuous journey of listening, learning, and growing together.
2. Co-Creation
We believe the best outcomes come from collaboration. Co-creation means building trust, sharing ownership, and designing solutions together with students, staff, researchers, and external partners. It’s how we innovate, connect disciplines, and turn ambition into action.
3. Boldness
We encourage courageous thinking and action. Boldness is about stepping beyond what’s familiar, taking smart risks, and embracing uncertainty as a space for growth. We create room for experimentation, challenge conventions, and inspire others to do the same.
Learn more about the process of defining our values in the full co-created vision and values document (pdf) and in following podcast with U!REKA members Minna Kaihovirta (Metropolia) and Koen Van Damme (HOGENT).
Governance
U!REKA relies on a clear and collaborative governance structure. This approach fosters transparency, accountability and a culture of co‑creation. Find out more about our governance bodies and how they work together to support our mission and values.
Steering Committee
U!REKA’s highest decision making body. Composed of the rector or president from each full partner institution—along with rotating representatives from the Student Council and Advisory Council—it is responsible for strategic leadership, approving policies, budgets, membership and project amendments.
Executive Committee
Translates strategy into action. Chaired by the Project Coordinator, it includes all Work Package Leaders and institutional coordinators. It monitors progress, oversees resource allocation and compliance, prepares materials for the Steering Committee, and coordinates cross‑institutional collaboration.
Student Council
Ensures that the voice of students is heard. Each full partner sends two student representatives. The council focuses on topics such as mobility, inclusion and education policies, providing structured feedback through consultations, surveys and participation in relevant Work Packages.
Advisory Council
Made up of representatives from cities, regions, industry and other external stakeholders, it brings an outside perspective to U!REKA. It advises both the Steering and Executive Committee on urban challenges, education policies and European higher education trends.
Quality and sustainability task forces
To embed excellence and long‑term impact in every area of our work, U!REKA has three Task Forces that support quality assurance and sustainability: the Education Task Force, the Study Administration Task Force and the Research & Innovation Task Force. They monitor progress, share best practices and advise both the Steering and Executive Committee.
Logo
Partners can download the logo by clicking on the buttons below.
