LERU
League of European Research Universities
The League of European Research Universities (LERU) is an advocate for the promotion of basic research at European research universities. Lund University joined the network in 2004 and the LERU membership is today one of the cornerstones of Lund University's strategy for international contacts and collaborations with Europe.
The network of 24 research-intensive universities believe that frontier research plays an essential role in the innovation process and significantly contributes to the progress of society. LERU aims at furthering politicians’, policy makers’ and opinion leaders’ understanding of the important role and activities of research-intensive universities.
Read more about LERU & the member universities
LERU Rectors' Assembly
The rectors of the member universities meet twice a year in the Rectors' Assembly, which is LERU's highest decision-making body. Lund University is represented by Vice-Chancellor Erik Renström.
The LERU membership strengthens the University's position as a leading research university through
- Strengthened international profile
Through LERU, Lund University can enhance its international profile and visibility, which can attract more international students, researchers and partners. - Influence on European policy
LERU works on policy development and lobbying in research and higher education matters, giving Lund University the opportunity to influence European policies and decisions related to research and higher education. This can lead to better research funding and support for the University's projects. - Exchange of experiences and best practices
By participating in LERU's working groups and networks, Lund University can exchange experiences and best practices with other leading research universities. This can help improve the University's own processes and strategies. - Access to a global network
LERU provides Lund University with access to a global network of research-intensive universities, which can lead to new collaborations and research opportunities.
LERU publications (policies, positions and recommendations) are an important tool in creating the leverage to influence policy making, for example concerning research funding, research infrastructure and academic career paths that the LERU members stand behind. LERU papers are also presented as policies and recommendations for the network’s own member universities and other research universities in Europe and are used at Lund University for knowledge and organisational development.
To create engagement, raise awareness and create opinion, LERU organises its activities mainly through working groups consisting of representatives from the member universities. A LERU group is established with the aim of working with LERU policy within a specific subject area or with a specific issue that concerns Europe’s higher education institutions.
LERU policy groups and LERU network groups are permanent, while LERU thematic groups and LERU ad hoc/expert groups are established on a more temporary basis.
LERU's operations are coordinated and communicated from LERU's office situated in Leuven, Belgium. At each LERU university there is a contact person who coordinates the LERU work, a LERU Senior Officer. At Lund University, Richard Stenelo is the contact person for LERU.
To find out how you can work together with the other members in the network, please contact leru [at] er [dot] lu [dot] se (leru[at]er[dot]lu[dot]se)
LERU groups and LU representatives
LERU policy groups
| Careers of researchers & HR (CARE) | Jimmie Kristensson Kristine Widlund |
| Digital Education (DIGE) | Nathalie Stenbeck Lotta Åbjörnsson |
| Doctoral Studies (DOCT) | Viktor Öwall |
| Enterprise and Innovation (ENTE) | Kristina Eneroth Niclas Nilsson |
| Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) | Jimmie Kristensson Lena Lindell Tomas Brage |
| European Research Projects Managers (ERPM) | Anneli Wiklander Karin Langborger |
| Information & Open Access (INFO) | Håkan Carlsson Kristoffer Holmqvist |
| International | Kristina Eneroth Richard Stenelo |
| Learning & Teaching (LEAR) | Lena Eskilsson Ann-Kristin Wallengren |
| Research (RESE) | Per Mickwitz |
| Research Integrity (INTE) | Mats Johansson |
| Risk Management in International Research Collaboration | Pär Svensson |
| Sustainability | Per Mickwitz |
LERU thematic groups
| Alumni Relations (ALUM) | Susanne Norrman Karen Paulson |
| Law | Henrik Wenander Jessica Almqvist |
| Philantrophy (PHIL) | Pia Siljeklint |
| Protection of Animals used for Scientific Purposes | Thomas Blom Malin Fex |
| Theology & Religious Studies (THRS) | Alexander Maurits Blaženka Scheuer |
LERU network groups
| Directors of Communication (COMM) | Johanna Sandahl |
| Senior Officers’ Network (SON) | Richard Stenelo |
LERU ad hoc groups
LERU has a few ad hoc and expert groups, which can be created when an important issue does not fit into one of the existing groups.
| Open Science Ambassadors (AHG on OS) | Håkan Carlsson Kristoffer Holmqvist |
| Research Infrastructures | Viktor Öwall |
Contact
Richard Stenelo
International Director
leru [at] er [dot] lu [dot] se