11 July 2024
YUFERING Project Achieves Exceptional Results in Transforming Research and Innovation Across Europe
The YUFERING (Young Universities for the Future of Europe – Research and Innovation) project has successfully concluded, delivering significant advancements in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer throughout Europe. The project, funded by the European Commission under Grant Agreement number 101016967, spanned from March 1, 2021, to February 29, 2024, and included partners from ten European universities.
The YUFERING project aimed to address a broad range of transformational modules as outlined in the original Science with and for Society (SwafS) call. The project focused on areas such as human capital, open science, and knowledge sharing between academia and business, demonstrating a strong collaborative approach among partner institutions.
Key Achievements:
- Human Capital Development:
- Development and dissemination of the YUFE/YUFERING Competence Framework for Researchers and the YUFE Academic Assessment Portfolio.
- Establishment of a comprehensive YUFE Training Programme for PhD Supervisors.
- Advancements in Open Science:
- Creation of a YUFE Open Science model and guidelines for researcher evaluation.
- Development of an Open Science Commons for all YUFE partners and an Open Science syllabus aimed at up-skilling researchers, including Early Career Researchers.
- Knowledge Valorisation:
- Evolution of the “Flipped Knowledge Transfer” concept to the now widely recognized “Knowledge Valorisation” model.
- Expansion of YUFERING’s KT Expert Network into a YUFE-wide Knowledge Valorisation Network, structurally embedded within the YUFE Alliance to promote KV practices.
- Community-engaged Research and Innovation (CERI):
- Defined and developed the CERI conceptual framework, mapping best practices and organizing workshops for researchers and support staff.
- Embedded CERI in all activities of other Work Packages, including a combined CERI-FKT model for knowledge valorisation and a key role in YUFE’s Open Science and Recognition and Reward System.
- YUFE4Postdocs Project:
- Secured €14 million in funding for the YUFE4Postdocs project under the EU MSCA COFUND programme, as an example of the collective effort of all YUFE partners to redefine postdoctoral research within YUFE and across Europe.
- The YUFE4Postdocs project not only enhances the research landscape within the YUFE Alliance but also serves as a key pilot for establishing a common R&I agenda in the future through a bottom-up approach.
Impact and Recognition:
The project has been commended for its significant results and potential impact on the European research landscape. The development of the YUFE/YUFERING Competence Framework and the YUFE Open Science model are expected to have a lasting influence, promoting a culture of open science and effective research evaluation.
The project’s achievements have also been recognized by major organizations, including the Association Technology Transfer Professionals (ASTP) and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). Additionally, the project’s innovative approach to knowledge transfer has been adopted at institutional levels.
Future Prospects:
The YUFERING project sets a robust foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering a community of game changers in the European research and innovation ecosystem. The project’s legacy will continue to be promoted through ongoing dissemination and exploitation activities, ensuring the sustained impact of its results.
Visit the YUFERING WEBPAGE
For further information, please contact:
Dr Tatiana-Ioanna Gialama – [email protected]
YUFERING Project Manager – University of Cyprus (UCY)
About YUFERING
The YUFERING project is part of the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) Alliance, which aims to create a seamless European University model. It focuses on transforming research and innovation practices across Europe through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives.
Nicosia, Cyprus – June 20, 2024
