Since the beginning of 2023, the university network has been the “Science Network Four Countries Region Lake Constance”.
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The previous International Lake Constance University, to which the three Vorarlberg universities also belong, has a new legal form and a new name.
Since the beginning of 2023, the 25 participating universities and colleges have been responsible for what is now the “Science Association for the Four-Country Region of Lake Constance” instead of the International Lake Constance Conference, as the institution announced on Tuesday. From autumn, students can complete courses at all member universities.
21 years after its founding, the university association is now becoming an independent legal entity in the form of a European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) and can therefore independently apply for third-party funds and distribute them among the members. This applies, for example, to the EU research framework programs, Interreg or Erasmus+. As a cooperation partner, the Lake Constance Conference remains the central sponsor, and a performance agreement up to 2025 has already been signed.
Cross-border collaboration simplified
“The new legal form simplifies cross-border cooperation, opens up new funding potential and at the same time reduces administrative costs,” explained Gernot Brauchle. The rector of the Vorarlberg University of Education was elected chairman of the cooperation council at the inaugural meeting. As in the predecessor organization IBH, the council is made up of the rectors of the members. The manager of the IBH office, Markus Rhomberg, will take over the management of the association.
Advantage for students
The location at the University of Konstanz and a mobility program are also new. As part of this, students can attend courses at one of the other 24 universities in the network from autumn. In the first year, around 60 participants are expected and supported with scholarships.
Largest university association in Europe
The largest university association in Europe consists of 25 universities and colleges from Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland. From Austria, these include the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, the Vorarlberg University of Education and the Vorarlberg State Conservatory. The network comprises around 115,000 students and 20,000 researchers. Cross-state and cross-university programs and projects are implemented with more than 850 practice partners.
More info: www.wissenschaftsverbund.org
