The EDUC-WIDE project serves as the research pillar of the EDUC Alliance, offering multiple paths for research collaboration among researchers, such as measurement opportunities within EDUC research infrastructures or supporting small-scale collaborative research efforts (Seed Projects). In addition to R&I collaborations, the project addresses themes of Open Science, Research Assessment, and Career Diversity.
A significant portion of the activities focuses on EDUC universities located in Widening Countries (given by the nature of the WIDERA call) Masaryk University, University of Pécs, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University. This emphasis aims to bridge national disparities and enhance the competitiveness of Widening partners within the European Research Area (ERA).
Four Core Topics and their Dedicated Expert Groups in EDUC-WIDE
EDUC-WIDE focuses on four interconnected areas: Open Science, Research Assessment, Career Diversity, and Research Infrastructures. Each thematic group brings together experts from multiple EDUC universities, working collaboratively to develop scalable, impactful solutions that benefit the entire alliance — and beyond.
|
Open Science |
Research Assessment |
Career Diversity |
R&I Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Open Science Expert Group (OSEG) |
Research Assessment Expert Group (RAEG) |
Career Diversity Expert Group (CDEG) |
Expert Group on Research Infrastructures (EGRI) |
Open Science
Open Science is aimed at accelerating research for the benefit of society. By promoting transparency, sharing background data, and encouraging collaboration, it seeks to reduce redundancy in research efforts and enable scientists to build on each other’s work. In the context of ongoing geopolitical shifts, the issue of research integrity has gained new prominence, highlighting the importance of trustworthy and ethically conducted science. At the same time, there is growing pressure to engage the general public more actively in the scientific process, enhancing transparency and trust. Increasingly, science diplomacy emerges - Should we view diplomacy as a means to empower science, or is science itself becoming a driving force in diplomatic relations?
Research Assessment
Research assessment reform is a global challenge. Over-reliance on metrics, especially those tied to publication channels, has distorted research motivations, narrowed diversity and creativity, and encouraged overproduction and unethical practices, especially where funding is performance-based. The Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) now offers a global platform for reform.
All EDUC Alliance universities have signed the CoARA Agreement, committing to shared reform principles. Although the national contexts for the reform are different, the reform commitments are joint for all signatories. Together, we prioritize responsible use of metrics, more peer review, and a broader definition of research quality, recognizing teaching, interdisciplinary work, societal impact, and open science. Through mutual support and knowledge exchange, we’re shaping institutional policies that reflect global reform values and promote fair, motivating, and excellence-driven academic environments.
Career Diversity
Institutions Are Built by People. Its success depends on how well it supports individuals, by giving them the space, trust, and resources to develop their ideas and contribute meaningfully to their field. In research, however, the path is often fraught with hidden barriers. Young researchers may be considered too inexperienced to compete for prestigious grants. Female researchers frequently face structural and societal pressures that limit the time they can dedicate to their scientific careers. Meanwhile, seasoned researchers may be reluctant to engage in intersectoral mobility, seeing it as a risk rather than an opportunity. Another important focus is highlighting that research should extend beyond academic boundaries. Universities have a vital role in teaching how to translate research into real-world applications, particularly through technology transfer and collaboration with industry.
Research Collaboration
Each partner university within the alliance conducts its own research activities, supported by either core facilities or dedicated research units. EDUC-WIDE is committed to linking these structures and strengthening collaboration across the network and hopefully beyond. Through our calls, we’ve provided access to core facilities at Widening institutions for research measurements and experimentation. We've also launched 1.5-year seed projects designed to simulate and foster collaboration among partners in any research field. To facilitate smoother access to state-of-the-art equipment, EDUC-WIDE gathers information on institutional core facilities through the OpenUp catalogue, making it possible for individuals from any field of study to conduct measurements.
Nine European Universities in the EDUC-WIDE Consortium
Widening Partners:
- Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
- University of Pécs (Hungary)
- Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University (Ukraine)
Advanced Partners:
- University of South-Eastern Norway (Norway)
- University of Cagliari (Italy)
- Jaume I University (Spain)
- University of Potsdam (Germany)
Associated Advanced Partners:
- Paris Nanterre University (France)
- University of Rennes (France)