The JKU joined the EC2U Alliance at the end of 2023 and is one of eight European universities in the Alliance. The Alliance has now published its annual report covering activities and milestones between November 2023 to November 2024 at the partner universities. Over the past year, the JKU has actively contributed to building the EC2U community by fostering research partnerships, supporting student and employee mobility, and organizing important events.

The 2024 EC2U Forum took place at the JKU under the motto “Empowering Minds for a Peaceful Society” representing an important milestone at the university. As part of workshops, discussion panels, and networking opportunities, some 400 participants from across Europe convened in Linz to explore the topic of peacebuilding. The report not only revealed a high degree of community involvement across over 30 events and 1,500 participants, but also an impressive 91% satisfaction rate. These accomplishments demonstrate EC2U's growing footprint and impact, as well as the JKU's involvement in – and commitment to - this international academic network.

JKU EC2U Local Coordinator Manfred Heublein remarked: “The EC2U gave me an opportunity to get to know my home university better and not only meet many people from different areas at the JKU, but our associated partners as well.”

In addition to the forum's highlights, the report details a number of other success stories:

• New governance models: Establishing the first EC2U Student Council gave students an official voice within the Alliance, and over 90% of their recommendations were carried out.
• Mobility and networking: Over 500 students and employees took part in short-term mobilities as part of EC2U activities, citing professional development and intercultural experiences as key motivation.
• Joint Master's degree programs: Three EC2U Joint Master's programs aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) - and offering an international, interdisciplinary approacj - have continued to grow.
• Research and innovation: The EC2U virtual institutes have been expanded to include a fourth pillar focusing on peace, justice and strong institutions (UNSDG No. 16), building on already existing centers for health, education and sustainable cities.

Now in its fifth year, the EC2U Alliance is committed to growing its community of 200,000 students, 35,000 employees, and 2 million citizens across its home regions. The JKU aims to continue its active role and the Alliance is well positioned to continue defining the future of European higher education by means of working together, driving innovation forward, and engaging with the community.