Durham University joins Arqus as a new associate partner

Last 21 October, the Arqus Rectors’ Council officially approved, during their meeting at the University of Lyon 1, the work plan for the adhesion of a new associate partner: Durham University.

This exciting development was celebrated yesterday, 4 November, when five Arqus representatives travelled to Durham for a signing ceremony, marking the beginning of this momentous partnership. Durham’s addition aligns with Arqus’ strategic vision of fostering collaboration across borders and enhancing global academic networks. 

Yesterday, 4 November, Rui Vieira de Castro (Rector of the University of Minho), Mireille Van Poppel (Vice-Rector of the University of Graz and Chair of Arqus Executive Council), Arturas Vasiliauskas, (Vice-Rector – Partnerships – of Vilnius University), Dorothy Kelly (Arqus Coordinator, University of Granada) and Fernando Galán (Arqus Secretary General) met in Durham with a delegation of representatives for the official signature of their addition as a new associate partner.

Durham University

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research-based in historic Durham City in the UK. It is a collegiate university committed to inspiring its people to do outstanding things at Durham and in the world.

Durham conducts transformative research that improves lives globally and we are ranked as a world top 100 university with an international reputation in research and education (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Durham is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive UK universities and is consistently ranked as a top 10 university in national league tables (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide).

“This adhesion reinforces the Arqus strategy of bringing about inclusive systemic impact, building on the added value brought by a new associate partner of a similar profile. I am sure Durham will bring interesting and highly valuable contributions to the alliance. We are looking forward to learning from each other and collaborating in the different key areas of Arqus”, said Dorothy Kelly, Arqus Coordinator. 

Shaping Europe’s higher education

This new multilateral partnership opens up new opportunities for academic excellence and international collaboration beyond the European Union, further increasing the impact of Arqus with new links and expertise across Europe. 

Durham shares Arqus’ commitment to driving sustainable change and empowering its communities to contribute positively through its research, education and institutions.

The alliance has identified interdisciplinary challenges as priority areas for joint actions in the future and Durham has committed to joining Arqus in focusing on two of these priority areas in year one of our association. This includes their Living Labs for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, and European Identity and Heritage.

Additionally, Durham will engage with several Arqus working groups focussed on teaching innovation, PhD mentoring, student mobility and research support. 

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University said: “Durham is a world-leading and globally-focused university with a strong commitment to supporting local growth and development. Our fellow Arqus members share that vision, and so the Arqus alliance is a very suitable partnership for us. We look forward to working with partners on further collaboration across research, education and student mobility.”

Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global) at Durham University, added: “Joining the Arqus alliance is a proud moment for Durham, and reflects the ongoing importance of our European relationships and friendships. It was a pleasure to welcome Arqus representatives to Durham, and we look forward to the benefits this partnership will bring, for our staff, students and wider communities.” 

For more information about Durham University visit: www.durham.ac.uk/about/ 

Top header image: (left) Professor Rui Vieira de Castro, Rector of the University of Minho, and (right) Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University.