The EMERGE European University Alliance has established its first network of third places and community partners, marking an important milestone in its commitment to strengthening collaboration between universities and society across Europe.
Third places are community-oriented spaces, organisations and initiatives that connect universities with local and regional communities. They create opportunities for collaboration beyond the traditional campus environment, bringing together students, researchers, staff, citizens, public authorities, civil society organisations and businesses. These spaces include cultural centres, community hubs, schools, research transfer centres, innovation platforms, humanitarian organisations and other trusted environments where knowledge, ideas and experience are shared to address societal challenges.
As a first step, each EMERGE partner university has formalised cooperation with at least one community-facing organisation through a Memorandum of Understanding, cooperation agreement, letter of intent or equivalent arrangement. Together, these partnerships establish the foundation of the EMERGE third-place network, which will continue to expand in response to the priorities and needs of each region.
The first network brings together organisations with complementary expertise and strong local engagement:
- Záhrada, Centre of Independent Culture in Slovakia, promotes civic participation, culture and community cooperation through its partnership with Matej Bel University.
- Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group in Ireland works with the University of Limerick to advance social inclusion, adult education, community support and guidance services.
- The Centre for Research on Atlantic Cultural Landscapes (CISPAC) in Spain collaborates with the University of A Coruña to strengthen research transfer, territorial knowledge and societal impact.
- Philoproodos Enosis Xanthis in Greece partners with Democritus University of Thrace to support cultural heritage, education, outreach activities and community participation.
- PFT ComposiTIC in France joins the network through the University of South Brittany, contributing expertise in technological innovation and knowledge exchange.
- HelseINN and Hamarregionen Utvikling/PARK in Norway work with Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences to promote healthcare innovation, regional development and cross-sector collaboration.
- ESS CARGO & CIE in France partners with the University of Rennes 2 as a university neighbourhood third place that connects students, residents, associations and initiatives focused on social and environmental sustainability.
- The Cyprus Red Cross Society, Paphos Branch, collaborates with Neapolis University Pafos to promote volunteering, humanitarian values, internships, fellowships and community engagement.
- Flüchtlingshilfe Flensburg e.V. in Germany works with Europa-Universität Flensburg to support refugees and migrants through study and career guidance while contributing to the identification of local community needs.
Through these partnerships, EMERGE creates new opportunities for community-engaged learning, research with societal impact, student internships, fellowships, mentoring, volunteering, inclusion, sustainability and regional development. The network also strengthens collaboration between universities and local stakeholders by encouraging the co-creation of knowledge and solutions that respond to shared challenges.
The EMERGE third-place network is designed as an evolving ecosystem rather than a fixed list of partners. As the Alliance develops, new organisations and initiatives will join the network, reinforcing long-term cooperation based on reciprocity, mutual learning and shared responsibility for creating positive impact across European communities.
