FORTY YEARS OF OVERCOMING ACADEMIC DIVISIONS: IMPORTANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY AND CULTURE

The Danube Rectors' Conference meets this year to discuss the current and future developments of higher education in EU and especially in the Danube Region. The speeches and debates with international experts and scholars will focus on the European cohesion through higher education, as well as its condition in times of war.  Plans to foster research possibility for youth will be discussed with the recipients of the DRC Initiative Fund, and the participants will attend to the Ceremony for the Danubius Awards 2023. 

More information on the Annual Meeting can be found here:  2023 Annual Conference of the Danube Rectors' Conference

We are delighted to announce the successful culmination of the 18th DRC Summer School, held in the picturesque city of Cluj-Napoca and hosted by three esteemed Romanian universities. This year's event saw the convergence of 13 young scientists, university students, and emerging researchers hailing from 10 countries across the Danube Region and Central Europe. The week-long 18th DRC Summer School, themed "Transformation of post-war Europe: Challenging universities and research in the Danube Region?," took place in Cluj-Napoca from 16 to 22 July 2023.

Babeș-Bolyai University, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, and the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine hosted this year's edition. Amidst the charming backdrop of Cluj-Napoca, participants engaged not only in insightful dialogues with experts on the designated theme but also in the exchange of their expertise from diverse research domains.

The core theme of the Summer School was rigorously explored through four focal points, namely democracy, inclusivity, digitalization, and European strategies during periods of conflict. These topics provided an enriched platform for comprehensive discussions and intellectual exploration.

The Summer School involved cultural aspects, allowing participants to engage in local traditions through group activities. This created a friendly atmosphere, deepening connections among attendees and offering a taste of Transylvanian life and cuisine. Guided city and botanical garden tours, alongside traditional dinners, enriched the week. A highlight was a field trip to Salina Turda, highlighting Romania's natural beauty. The experience concluded with a meaningful final gathering.

Friedrich Faulhammer (*1963) studied law at the University of Vienna. He worked there from 1985 to 1990 at the Institute for Legal History as well as in the legal department of the University Directorate and moved to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Research in 1990. In 2005, he became Section Head of the Higher Education Section in the Federal Ministry of Science and Research and served as its Secretary General from 2009. During his more than two decades as a civil servant of the Republic of Austria, Faulhammer has been instrumental in shaping Austrian and European higher education policy, including the implementation of the Universities Act 2002.

Following the elections of the new presidency during the DRC General Assembly on 11 November 2022, we gladly announce the new DRC Presidency for the period 2023-2024. 

Beginning with 1 January 2023, Mag. Friedrich Faulhammer, Rector of the University for Continuing Education Krems, takes over the position of DRC President. The role of the new Vice-Presidents will be assumed by former DRC President Prof. Dr. Zdravko Kačič, Rector of the University of Maribor, and Prof. Dr. Daniel David, Rector of the Babeş-Bolyai University.

Following the decision of DRC General Assembly on 11 November 2022, the DRC is pleased to announce the election of former DRC President and Vice-President Ivanka Popović as DRC Acting Honorary President. We would like to thank Prof. Popović for all efforts and valuable contribution in her previous roles within DRC Presidency and look forward to continuing the successful cooperation in the upcoming years!

We are also glad to announce that Ivanka Popović has also been nominated for the position of EUA President. The DRC Presidency fully supports her nomination as it is convinced that her election as EUA president would not only strengthen the voice of universities from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, but she would firmly represent and promote the interests of the EUA members.

With much esteem, we would like to thank Miroslav Vesković for his work and contribution during his term as Acting Honorary President. With a feeling of gratitude and appreciation, we look back on all his valuable insights and ideas that shaped the developments of DRC in the past years. On behalf of DRC Presidency, we wish Miroslav Vesković all the best in his future and a successful continuation of his dedicated support of higher education and research in the Danube Region and beyond!

The Russian invasion on Ukraine had devastating consequences for the higher education. The IDM together with the Danube Rectors’ Conference (DRC) decided to grant two Ukrainian students or early-career researchers a fellowship.

The fellowship gives the recipient the possibility to complete research on their MA or PhD thesis. If necessary, IDM/DRC supports the fellow in finding a supervisor. The fellowship holder also has the opportunity to gain insights into the work of IDM as a non-university research institute.

The IDM therefore provides a workplace and invites the student to participate in the activities of the Institute as well as to contribute to the work of IDM team members.

The Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) as the seat of DRC Permanent Secretariat mourns the death of IDM chairman, former Vice-Chancellor Dr Erhard Busek. His family announced his passing during the night of 13-14 March 2022. The members of the board, the managing director, as well as the staff at the IDM are filled with the deepest sorrow. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and relatives.