Global Challenges — Their Impact on Research and Training

One of the great advantages of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is that it can look back over the last 100 years, from when it was formed in 1913, and see how its members (now nearly 550 across most of the Commonwealth, with new ones still joining) have developed during that time. Thus there is a trajectory for looking forward at the great challenges facing the world and the role of universities, both individually and together, in bringing about solutions in conjunction with others. Another advantage the Association has is that most of its members have a common language, a common approach to what a university is about and a shared set of common values, at least in theory. In Europe it is estimated that there are over 4,000 universities with vastly different backgrounds, expectations and governance structures. Rigid tenure terms and arcane pension arrangements coupled with the fact that, in some cases, appointments are made by the government or one of its agencies means there is much to do if the European universities are to act more in accord to address global issues. Bodies such as the European Universities Association and the League of European Research Universities are doing a lot to effect a change and encourage universities to learn from each other. A good example is the Council for Doctoral Education, which is trying to raise the standards of research training. However, apart from a few outstanding examples, it has been hard to mobilize the full strength of European universities working together to effect real changes for the benefit of society and our planet. This was recognized by the Council of Ministers and in 2000, a 10-year plan to create the European Research Area was launched.