FORTHEM Alliance enters a new funding period

FORTHEM Alliance received a positive funding decision this summer and will continue with European Universities funding for the next two years. The new two-year project is titled FORTHEM NEXUS: Nurturing Excellence and Talent through Exchange with Universities and Society, and its implementation period runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2028. This funding period is coordinated by the University of Jyväskylä. The alliance’s collaboration in its current form began in 2019, and this marks the third consecutive European Universities Initiative (EUI) grant awarded to our consortium.

From a project-based approach to more strategic cooperation

The main objective of the new funding period is to strengthen and further develop the activities and cooperation models that have proven most effective and impactful during previous funding periods. The aim is to embed these practices within the member universities so that the models developed through the project become an integral part of their core operations; supporting students, staff, and external partners in various forms of international collaboration. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of the project’s results within our communities and across Europe more broadly.

The FORTHEM Alliance continuously fosters a wide range of collaborative initiatives and cooperation arising from diverse projects. During the upcoming two-year period, the goal is to elevate this collaboration in a more coordinated manner to an increasingly strategic level. The Alliance’s three boards review new initiatives, further develop them, and make recommendations for action. Board members also contribute to implementing strategic development priorities within their respective universities.

Key priorities for the University of Jyväskylä

For the University of Jyväskylä, particular priorities include the development of joint degree programmes, the integration of international elements into degree studies, providing diverse opportunities for early-career researchers to build international networks, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration in research and innovation activities. Within the university consortium’s development work, it is also important to recognize the shared opportunities created by the two EUI alliances, FORTHEM and EUDRES.

The FORTHEM NEXUS project is managed by Project Manager Päivi Mikkonen, while Heta Koski serves as the local leader for the project. The communication work package is led by Mari Leinonen.

Alliance governance bodies and JYU representatives