The Rector of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU), Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Board of Rectors of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA). The mission of this alliance, which brings together eight European universities, is to increase societal impact by uniting universities into a strong academic center that critically and innovatively contributes to building a free, fairer, and more democratic Europe. The alliance members share the understanding that in order to create a peaceful, fair, and sustainable future, it is essential to reform higher education and research.
Prof. Dr. I. Žalėnienė was elected Chairperson of the Board of Rectors on 13 September during the meeting of the ERUA Board of Rectors at the University of Macerata in Italy, which is celebrating its 735th anniversary and formally opened the new academic year.
The vice-chair of ERUA, elected alongside Prof. Žalėnienė, is the Rector of the University of Macerata, Prof. John McCourt. In his speech at the ceremonial opening of the anniversary academic year, he recalled the words of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, noting that universities have shaped European thinking and defined the value system and culture on which European consciousness is based. According to him, Europe is not just a geographic space or a desirable form of state cooperation; it is a shared culture, common values, harmony, and principles of freedom, rights, and respect for every individual. It is precisely these elements that have given rise to the extraordinary phenomenon of integration and the promise of peace. In this era, when wars have once again stained Europe—and beyond—with blood, it is particularly important to remember these values.
Prof. Dr. I. Žalėnienė emphasized that ERUA is more than just an alliance; it is a community that thrives on mutual support, shared goals, and a deeply rooted belief in the power of collaboration.
"The alliance members, by turning innovative ideas into tangible reality, serve society as a whole and are building a true European university that stands as a pillar of unity, a driver of knowledge and progress, educating the younger generation to creatively tackle present and future challenges, and creating an environment where innovation and social responsibility go hand in hand," said the MRU Rector.
According to Prof. Dr. I. Žalėnienė, her new role as Chairperson of the ERUA Board of Rectors is also a vote of confidence in the entire MRU community and the University, whose efforts and achievements in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and socially oriented learning environment are being recognized and appreciated.
MRU joined ERUA as an associate partner in October 2022, and in July 2023, it officially became a full member of the alliance. In addition to MRU, this international alliance, supported by the European Commission, includes seven other universities: Paris 8 University (France, the alliance coordinator), SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Poland), the University of Macerata (Italy), the University of the Aegean (Greece), the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain), European University Viadrina (Germany), and New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria). The University of Konstanz (Germany) and Roskilde University (Denmark) are associated ERUA partners.