ATHENA - European University
The ATHENA European University is a European university alliance that aims to provide high-quality education and innovative research. ATHENA (Advanced Technology through Higher Education and Novel Approaches) unites ten European universities, which together offer an attractive, flexible and practice-oriented range of courses for students, researchers, teachers and employees from technology and administration. Supported by regional industry partners, new ideas and research results are actively disseminated to society. We are committed to ensuring that the university is not just a place for students, teachers and researchers, but that it benefits society as a whole!
The University of Siegen has been a member of the Alliance since 2020. After a funding phase from 2020-2023 by the European Commission and the DAAD, ATHENA has been financed since October 2023 from project funds raised with the support of the partner universities. In June 2024, ATHENA was awarded the "Seal of Excellence" by the European Commission, recognizing the high quality of our educational, research and impact initiatives at European level.
Encouraged by the Seal of Excellence, the Rectors of all 10 participating universities have agreed to further expand ATHENA as a European university alliance in order to work together to strengthen the European educational landscape.
This website provides an overview of news, events and offers from ATHENA that are relevant to the University of Siegen. Further information can also be found on the ATHENA European University website.
The "European Universities" is an ambitious EU initiative that aims to forge alliances between higher education institutions across Europe for the benefit of their students, staff and society. The initiative is primarily implemented through Erasmus+ funding. Currently, 65 European Higher Education Alliances are being funded by the European Commission. A further eight networks have been awarded the "Seal of Excellence".
Vision and goals
ATHENA European University aims to define a common European approach to scientific, societal and technological development that helps foster a better future. At ATHENA European University, students and professors co-create value with our industrial and socio-economic partners by focusing on the societal and environmental challenges of our day. The arts, social sciences and the humanities interplay with the natural and engineering sciences to advance technological developments, and applied research is as likely to feed fundamental advances as vice versa. Together, we are deeply embedded in our regions and communities and globally connected to the world.
Cooperation in research and teaching - strategically aligned in "clusters"
To improve the coordination of cooperation projects in research and teaching, the ATHENA partner universities have agreed to form thematic clusters. The first four clusters, in which joint activities are now being planned, cover the following areas:
- Digitalization for All
- Sustainable Production
- Health and Nutrition
- Creative Industries
Further clusters are to be added in the future.
European values and quality of life
ATHENA aims to
- create an inclusive, fair and balanced academic environment in which all people have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.
- eliminate gender-specific barriers, prejudice and discrimination in all areas of university life.
