1. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Theme II Revisiting the Links between Teaching and Research

2. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 General principles The Bologna process is an integral part of the establishment of ERA, EHEA and Europe as a knowledge based society. We will increase the strength and relevance of our research to the technological, social and cultural evolution and the needs of society. We will make the necessary effort to become an even more attractive and efficient partner for governments and other stakeholders. Many obstacles still exist that cannot be solved by universities alone but where strong support and appropriate decisions of national governments and EU bodies will be crucial.

3. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Four Main Areas for Discussion 1.Research as an integral part of all levels of higher education – i.e. the relationship between teaching and research 2.Research focus, institutional networking and collaboration 3.Strengthen European collaborations at the doctoral and post-doctoral level 4.Creating the optimal conditions for masters and doctoral studies

4. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Area 1: Research and scholarship are an integral part of higher education Defines the content of graduate and undergraduate education Teachers are professional academics and professional specialists All students will obtain high level skills and problem solving capabilities which are necessary to increase employability and create good researchers To stimulate the knowledge society and innovation culture

5. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Area 2: Research focus, institutional networking and collaboration Institutions should continue to focus research strategically with increased awareness of inter-disciplinarity Local/regional collaboration (clustering) becomes increasingly important Collaboration networking should be dynamic and reconfigurable to ensure continued creativity – nodes of critical mass

6. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Area 3: Strengthen European collaboration at the doctoral and post- doctoral level – mobility Crucially important to the success of ERA Research networks provide the best environment to foster mobility and promotion Joint degrees are important mechanisms Structured to ensure good re-entry in their careers to home country Appointment and promotion procedures more flexible Major priority for European and national funding

7. EUA Convention of European Higher Education Institutions Graz, 29-31 May 2003 Area 4: Creating optimal conditions for masters and doctoral studies Further work is required on the definition of academic and professional master degrees and on the transition from BA/MA to PhD Second cycle academic degrees must contain research PhD or equivalent must be based on original research and a thesis High quality supervision and training