Bielefeld University is part of the NEOLAiA network, an association of nine young, dynamically developing higher education institutions in various European regions beyond the metropolises. With a regional focus, NEOLAiA aims to create an open and inclusive educational and social environment that sponsors equity at the university and in European society as a whole.
This week, representatives of the nine partner universities of the European University Alliance NEOLAiA met in Ostrava (Czech Republic) - including representatives of Bielefeld University. One of the highlights in Ostrava was the signing of the D&I NEOcharter. The NEOLAiA work package on diversity and inclusion, which is coordinated by Bielefeld University, developed, promoted and implemented the charter in coordination with the European partners.
Professor Joce Nuttall, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), recently visited Bielefeld University. As a new member of NEOLAiA’s External Advisory Board (EAB), she brings a valuable outsider’s perspective to the European university alliance.
What can the university contribute to the future of Europe? And how is this vision put into practice in a European university alliance such as NEOLAiA? On the occasion of Europe Day on 9 May, representatives from four of the nine NEOLAiA universities report on their experiences and goals. In the interview, they show how diverse and at the same time united European cooperation at universities can be.
As a member of the European University Alliance NEOLAiA, Bielefeld University maintains special relationships with associated partners in Ukraine - including Sumy State University. An expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian partners.
Within the Alliance, Bielefeld University coordinates the topic area "Inclusion and Diversity" and thus Work Package 3 "Diversity & Inclusion". The heads of the work package are Professor Dr Michaela Vogt and Dr Amelie Labusch.