DRU - Democratic Role of Universities

🌍 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

🌟 Partner Spotlight: INCHER-Kassel (University of Kassel)

INCHER-Kassel, the International Centre for Higher Education Research at the University of Kassel (Germany), is one of the proud partners of the DRU – Reimagining Universities for Democracy project.

With strong expertise in higher education research, academic careers, and university governance, INCHER-Kassel contributes valuable insights into how universities can promote democratic values and social responsibility.

Through DRU, we work together to support the development of interdisciplinary, critically engaged researchers shaping the future of European universities.

🤍 Strong partnerships for stronger democracies.


Universität Kassel

When Toulouse meets Porto…

Marie-Agnès Détourbe, Eleana Sanchez and Hilary Sanders, from the University of Toulouse – Jean Jaurès, are currently being warmly hosted by the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Porto (FPCEUP) for a two-week secondment.

This visit marks the beginning of what promises to be a stimulating and productive collaboration, fostering meaningful exchange and establishing the foundations for research on Education in Hospitable Universities.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of “Hospitable Universities”, this represents one of the key themes that DRU will be exploring in the coming years, in close cooperation with the Work Package “Democratic Values and their Institutionalisation”, coordinated by U.Porto.

You are all invited to follow the progress of this work as it continues to unfold, promising valuable insights and contributions to the field.



Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto

🌍 Partner Spotlight: Budapest University of Economics and Business (BUEB)

Did you know that the Budapest University of Economics and Business is Hungary’s leading institution in business education, with nearly 20,000 students and more than 160 years of academic tradition?

BUEB combines tradition with innovation through practice-oriented education, strong links to the business sector, and a clear commitment to sustainability, ethical leadership and social impact. As a PRME Champion, the university plays an active role in promoting responsible management education worldwide.

As part of the DRU project, BUEB brings valuable experience in applied research, international collaboration and participatory approaches, contributing to the development of more democratic and responsible universities.

🤝 Proud to collaborate with partners who place values, sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of higher education.



Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
ESN
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University

🌍 Partner Spotlight: Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC) was founded in 2014 by the Assumption Sisters, together with civil society organisations, in Joza, Makhanda, South Africa.

Created in response to persistent youth unemployment and socio-economic challenges, ADC works closely with local communities to promote education, empowerment and social justice. Its work is rooted in community engagement and a strong commitment to addressing structural inequalities.

We are pleased to spotlight ADC as a partner whose work reflects the transformative potential of community-based initiatives.



Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
Erasmus Student Network
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
UNIVERSITY OF PORTO | FPCEUP

Established in 1980, only six years after Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Porto (FPCEUP) developed in parallel with Portugal’s democratisation process. It is therefore no surprise that democracy, and related topics such as human rights, inclusion, participation, and critical thinking, are embedded in its daily practices and are now highlighted in the DRU project.

The University of Porto, through FPCEUP, coordinates the DRU – Democratic Role of Universities project, reinforcing its European commitment to advancing democratic values in science, education, and governance.

This impact is strengthened by the work of the Centre for Research and Intervention in Education (CIIE), based at FPCEUP, which plays a major role in implementing the DRU project. Together, FPCEUP and CIIE highlight how rigorous, socially engaged knowledge can contribute to more just, participatory, and sustainable societies.



Universidade do Porto
Faculdade de Psicologia e de Ciências da Educação da Universidade do Porto
CIIE-Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Educativas
The Centre for Research for Educational Impact
ESN
Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès
UPTEC
Assumption Development Centre
Rhodes University
Durham University
Centre for Postgraduate Studies