The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU) together with the University of Economics in Bratislava (EUBA) have received the highest support from the Call of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic for integrated infrastructure. Almost 50 million euros will be directed to interconnecting the processes of education, research and cooperation with practice with a strong international focus, which should help both Universities to increase the excellence and quality of the services and activities provided.
The total amount of funds allotted to the Call is 120 million euros, of which 12 million euros are intended for activities related to the integration of universities into consortia, while 108 million euros are allotted to supporting integrated infrastructure.
After assessing the submitted applications, expert evaluators compiled a ranking of the universities intending to establish consortia. The evaluators awarded the most points to the project of the Consortium of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava and the University of Economics in Bratislava, which will receive almost 50 million euros from the Call.
"I am happy that the joint project of STU and University of Economics succeeded as the best one and received the highest support. I believe that this Consortium will help both Universities to make significant progress on the path of improvement and internationalization. I really look forward to this cooperation," responded Oliver Moravčík, STU Rector.
The major strategic goal of the STU and EUBA project is building an infrastructure enabling the implementation of integrated processes of education, research and cooperation with practice with a strong international focus, in accordance with the best international practice. In this way, the Consortium will represent a strong impulse for both Universities towards increasing the excellence and quality of the services provided and the activities implemented. The Project is part of a broader long-term strategic plan to build "Science Hills", a modern interdisciplinary campus which, besides STU and EUBA, will also include other institutions in the future - primarily the Comenius University in Bratislava and the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
"The projects of building consortia of universities are one of the key steps towards strengthening cooperation and excellence in education and science. Thanks to them, the involved universities will make more significant progress in educational system. I am convinced this will bring benefit to the students and the whole society," said Tomáš Drucker, the Minister of Education, Research, Development and Youth.
Universities will use the funds allotted from the Call to modernize and build the integrated research, education or accommodation infrastructure. Universities intending to establish consortia could request funds for the activities such as construction of new buildings, purchase of buildings and land, or attendance of outdoor areas. Consortia of higher education institutions must be established by 2026. Eight higher education institutions that joined the Call can form four consortia:
- Consortium of the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava and the University of Economics in Bratislava
- Consortium of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and the Technical University in Zvolen,
- Consortium of the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica and the University of Constantin the Philosopher in Nitra,
- Consortium of the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava and the Trnava University in Trnava.
1.3.2024
Source: MŠVVaM SR