DRU - Democratic Role of Universities

📖 Unpacking DRU Work Packages: WP3

Mapping the shifting landscape of university governance in a changing world 🏛️

Work Package 3 (WP3): Governance instruments examines how governance models in higher education have evolved in recent decades across our partner countries.
As global trends, geopolitical shifts, health crises, and growing social polarisation put pressure on traditional structures, WP3 analyses how these transformations directly impact the development of democracy both within universities and across wider society.

🎓 WP3 Leader: Tim Seidenschnur (UNI-Kassel)

🔗 Learn more about the DRU project: https://dru-eu.fpce.up.pt/

📖 Unpacking DRU Work Packages: WP2

Reimagining the role of higher education in democracy 🏛️

Work Package 2 (WP2): Democratic values and their institutionalisation examines core democratic values across Australia, Europe, and South Africa, focusing on how these principles are integrated into the national and international policies framing higher education.
Through a critical literature review and empirical cross-case analysis, WP2 establishes a theoretical framework to evaluate how university structures adapt, identifying successful practices, institutional isomorphism, and shared language to guide dialogue with global policy and university leaders.

🎓 WP2 Leader: Amélia Veiga (UPORTO)

🔗 Learn more about the DRU project: https://dru-eu.fpce.up.pt/

📆 SAVE THE DATE: 20 January 2027
📍 Porto (Portugal)

How can universities strengthen democracy in an era of profound social, political and educational change? The first international conference of the project Democratic Roles of Universities - DRU brings together researchers, higher education professionals, policymakers and international partners to explore this timely question.
The conference draws on the first results of this Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchanges’ project (GA 101236527). It will introduce an innovative analytical framework for understanding democracy and examine how democratic values can be embedded in governance, participatory research, education and civic engagement. Through presentations, discussions and an international roundtable, participants will exchange ideas on the future of universities as democratic institutions and their contribution to more inclusive and resilient societies.

🔗 Learn more about the DRU project: https://dru-eu.fpce.up.pt/

🌟 DRU Partner Spotlight: INSA Toulouse

This week, we are highlighting INSA Toulouse, a valued partner in the DRU project.

Recognised for its excellence in engineering education, research, and innovation, INSA Toulouse contributes to the project through its strong experience in international collaboration and its commitment to addressing societal challenges through education and research.

By bringing together institutions with diverse expertise and perspectives, the DRU project aims to strengthen democratic resilience and promote active citizenship across Europe. We are proud to collaborate with INSA Toulouse in achieving these shared goals.

🔗 Learn more about the DRU project: https://dru-eu.fpce.up.pt/



Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
INSA Toulouse

🔦 Partner Spotlight | Global Student Forum

The Global Student Forum (GSF) is one of the partners of the DRU – Democratic Roles of Universities project, bringing a strong student perspective to the consortium.

As a global platform representing student organisations worldwide, GSF works to promote democracy, participation and inclusion in and through higher education. In DRU, GSF helps ensure that students are central to discussions on the democratic role of universities.

🤝 A valuable partnership for more inclusive and engaged universities.

🔗 https://globalstudentforum.org



Global Student Forum

🌍 Partner Spotlight: UPTEC | DRU Project

The UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto is a strategic partner of the DRU project and a powerful example of how innovation spaces can promote civic engagement and democratic participation.

Located in Porto, UPTEC connects academia and business, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives grounded in sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility.

As part of DRU, UPTEC stands out as a case study showing how innovation centres can become active democratic spaces, notably through its Board of Students, which gives young people a voice in defining innovation policies.

💡 Innovation thrives when participation matters.


UPTEC

🌍 Partner Spotlight: Transparency International Hungary

Transparency International Hungary is part of the DRU – Democratic Roles of Universities project consortium, bringing extensive experience in combating corruption and promoting transparency and democracy.

Its collaboration strengthens dialogue between universities, civil society and public policy, highlighting the central role of scientific knowledge in building stronger and more inclusive democracies.

Together, we continue our commitment to integrity, civic participation and education for democracy.


Transparency International Magyarország

The DRU – Democratic Roles of Universities project is part of the exhibition
“The Europeanisation of the Higher Education System in Portugal”, on display at Porto City Hall, marking 40 years of Portugal’s integration into the European Union.

The exhibition concludes with a thought‑provoking question:
“What if universities were the key to revitalising democracy?”

Within this framework, DRU is presented as an international project that promotes reflection, critical knowledge and innovative practices aimed at strengthening the democratic role of universities in society.

🎓 Research | 🌍 International cooperation | 🗳️ Democracy



Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas

🌍 Partner Spotlight | Durham University

As part of a consortium of 14 partners, Durham University is involved in the DRU project, contributing its experience in research and higher education.

Based in the United Kingdom, the university brings an international and interdisciplinary perspective, underlining its impact on both global and local communities and reflecting a strong commitment to being an active part of UK democracy and beyond. This engagement supports the project’s collaborative goals.

👉 https://www.durham.ac.uk

Universities and democracy: what does it really mean?

In post-apartheid South Africa, universities were called to become institutions that serve the common good and help nurture a critical, engaged citizenry.

At Rhodes University, community engagement is one of the ways we live this mission. By working closely with communities, our students learn that knowledge is created not only in lecture halls, but also through real-world experience and shared practice.

Proud to be part of the Democratic Role of Universities project, strengthening the link between higher education, citizenship, and democracy.

RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement