CIVIS universities sign Memorandum of Understanding on sharing research infrastructures

In a significant step towards deepening research collaboration across borders, the CIVIS universities have officially signed, this June 13, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sharing of research infrastructures during the CIVIS Days, held at Sapienza Università di Roma. This milestone agreement brings together 17 universities from Europe and Africa, reinforcing CIVIS’ commitment to fostering scientific excellence and societal impact through collaborative research.

The MoU marks a new chapter in the CIVIS Alliance’s mission to build a truly integrated European University. It lays the foundation for enhanced cooperation in accessing and utilising research infrastructures (RI)—the physical and virtual facilities that enable cutting-edge research and advanced training.

The signing of this MoU is a further step in deepening our research collaborations by facilitating the sharing of and access to cutting-edge research infrastructures, which is essential for innovative research and opens the way to new support and training opportunities for the next generations of academics", said Julie Hyzewicz, Head of the CIVIS Research Unit.

A shared vision for research excellence

The agreement is rooted in the shared ambition of CIVIS universities to address five major global challenges:

Climate, Environment, and Energy
Health
Society, Culture, and Heritage
Digital and Technological Transformations
Cities, Territories, and Mobilities

By facilitating access to a diverse range of research infrastructures, CIVIS aims to empower researchers, foster innovation, and support the next generation of academics across the alliance.

Key Agreements

Under the MoU, the partner universities agree to:

Voluntarily share access to selected research infrastructures, data, and services.
Publish and maintain an interactive map of available research infrastructures on the CIVIS website.
Promote inclusive and non-discriminatory access based on academic merit and scientific quality.
Respect academic freedom and institutional autonomy in all collaborative efforts.
Ensure transparency and fairness in cost-sharing and access procedures, governed by bilateral agreements where necessary.

The agreement also emphasises that participation is voluntary and non-binding, allowing each partner to determine the scope and terms of their involvement.

A Global Alliance

The MoU was signed by representatives from all 17 CIVIS partner universities, including institutions from France, Greece, Belgium, Romania, Spain, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique, and Tunisia. This diverse representation underscores CIVIS’ global outlook and its dedication to inclusive, cross-continental collaboration.

Looking Ahead

The signing of this MoU is a testament to CIVIS' long-term vision of becoming a research-intensive, socially engaged Alliance. It builds on the achievements of the RIS4CIVIS project and sets the stage for future joint research initiatives that transcend national and disciplinary boundaries.

As CIVIS continues to grow and evolve, this agreement will serve as a cornerstone for building a more connected, innovative, and impactful research community.

Photos: CIVIS Commmunication Unit