Foreword by Acting Secretary-General Ole Petter Ottersen

This year has been marked by proactive engagement and the embracing of new challenges that have emerged at the intersection of academia and the rapidly evolving global landscape. The Guild has steadfastly upheld the principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy, even as we navigated the increasing pressure on basic research. We have stood firm against the rising geopolitical turbulence that threatens to introduce protectionism and political interventions into our research and internationalisation agendas. In a time of democratic backsliding, both in Europe and globally, our commitment to the academic values has never been more critical.

Our focus has extended to the pressing global challenges of our time, including climate change, environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and the pursuit of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The Guild has been at the forefront of responding to the global trends that impact research and higher education through, among other activities, the publication of its vision paper for the next framework programme in research and innovation (FP10), in which we stress the need to increase and optimise investments in research and innovation for the benefit of Europe’s competitiveness and resilience as a knowledge society.

The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) has been another area where The Guild has been actively engaged. We recognise the potential of AI to revolutionise research and education, and we have taken significant steps to ensure that our members are equipped to harness this technology responsibly and effectively. This past year The Guild has continued its efforts in advancing the European Education Area by providing extensive feedback for the interim Erasmus+ evaluation, contributing to discussions on the funding of the European Universities alliances and by looking into the triptych of transnational collaboration, innovation and policy implications.

Our collaboration with the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) has reached new heights. We inaugurated 20 Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoREs) co-led by ARUA and The Guild, bringing together researchers from both Europe and Africa to address global societal challenges and striving for equitable partnerships in an unequal world.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to our member universities for their active engagement through working groups and task forces, and for their invaluable contributions to our statements and position papers. Your collective wisdom has been the bedrock of our success. The Guild’s welcoming of a new member, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (Université PSL), in December 2023, has further strengthened our network. Their addition promises to enrich our collective expertise and broaden our horizons. Our staff members deserve special recognition for their unwavering dedication to The Guild’s mission. Your tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing our objectives.

On a personal note, returning to The Guild as Acting Secretary-General, seven years after its foundation, has been a deeply gratifying experience. The opportunity to reconnect with this vibrant community and contribute to its mission has been a highlight of my professional journey.

As we look to the future, The Guild remains committed to fostering excellence in research and education. Together, we will continue to address the challenges of our time with determination and a collaborative spirit.