About LERU
The League of European Research Universities (LERU) is a well-established network of research-intensive universities. We develop and disseminate our views on research, innovation and higher education through policy papers, statements, meetings and events helping to shape policy at the EU level.
The League is a valued interlocutor for the European institutions and other policy stakeholders. It acts as a strong, outspoken voice of European research-intensive universities on a wide range of topics related to EU policies and initiatives.
Mission
LERU is an association of leading European research-intensive universities that share the values of high-quality teaching within an environment of internationally competitive research.
Founded in 2002, LERU advocates education through an awareness of the frontiers of human understanding; the creation of new knowledge through basic research, which is the ultimate source of innovation in society; and the promotion of research across a broad front in partnership with industry and society at large.
Members
LERU is a network of 24 leading research-intensive universities based in 12 countries around Europe.
Through membership in our network, LERU universities can influence national agendas and improve their expertise through mutual learning and exchange of best practices.
Impact
Universities transform the lives of individuals and shape society in many ways, and they are a vital ingredient of a resilient economy. They are recognised throughout the world as powerhouses of economic growth.
The growth of advanced economies has been associated with a growing role for universities, providing the intellectual and human capital required for a successful modern economy. There are also several wider benefits that are not directly economic, but that may have significant impacts at individual and societal levels, including social and cultural impacts.
LERU Groups
In addition to the Rectors’ personal involvement, Vice-Rectors, Deans and senior management actively participate in more than 20 groups.
Some of these groups are primarily policy-oriented, responsible for feeding into the development of high-level, agreed views and papers to influence policy making. Other groups are focused on mutual learning and good practice or focus on disciplinary policy topics.
Governing bodies
Each member university is represented in LERU by its head of institution. The Rectors' Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the organisation. It meets twice a year at a different member institution. The Rectors’ Assembly appoints five of its members to serve as the Board of Directors (BoD).
The LERU Directors are:
- Prof. Linda Doyle as Chair (Provost of Trinity College Dublin)
- Prof. Sari Lindblom (Rector of the University of Helsinki)
- Prof. Sir Peter Mathieson (Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Edinburgh)
- Prof. Peter-Paul Verbeek (Rector-Magnificus of the University of Amsterdam)
- Prof. Henrik C. Wegener (Rector of the University of Copenhagen)
LERU Office
LERU's secretariat, known as the LERU Office, is based at the KU Leuven in Belgium. The Secretary-General, Prof. Kurt Deketelaere, is the head of the Office. He is responsible for the daily management of the organisation and is assisted by the LERU Office staff.