Memberships in International Networks
In order to ensure sustainable internationalization, the University of Potsdam relies on participation in international networks that have different thematic or regional foci. Depending on the topic, these networks are managed in the International Office or in other structural units of the university.
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
The SUNY COIL network emerged from the association of state universities in the US state of New York (SUNY). The aim of the network is to develop innovative teaching concepts which combine two or more existing courses into a new course using digital media (blended learning scenarios). Since 2006, the network has also been extended to partner universities outside the USA. The University of Potsdam has been a member of the COIL network since 2014. The UP-internal project OIL.UP uses the COIL membership to create a global space for networking in teaching.
Contact: Frederic Matthé, Center for Qualitative Development of Teaching and Studies (ZfQ) (frederic.mattheuuni-potsdampde )
Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration (CONAHEC)
The CONAHEC network is a non-profit organization that was founded in the 1990s to expand and strengthen cooperation between universities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In 2008, the network opened its doors to other countries as well, so that by now more than 170 universities, institutions and organizations from the higher education sector from 16 countries are members - among them the University of Potsdam as the first and so far only CONAHEC member in Germany. The CONAHEC network is committed to international exchange by promoting mobility programs for students, researchers, and administrative staff. Students of the University of Potsdam can take advantage of further study opportunities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico through the network.
Contact: Larisa Subašić, International Office (larisa.subasic@uni-potsdam.de)
European Digital UniverCIty (EDUC)
The University of Potsdam is the consortium leader of the EU-funded European University Alliance "European Digital UniverCity" (EDUC), founded in 2019, in which the universities of Potsdam (Germany), Masaryk (Czech Republic), Pécs (Hungary), Cagliari (Italy), Paris-Nanterre (France) and Rennes 1 (France) have joined forces. In 2021, Spain's Jaume I University in Castellón de la Plana and the University of Southeast Norway in Kongsberg also became members of EDUC. The goal of the EDUC Alliance is to create a European Higher Education Area where students, staff, teachers, and researchers from the eight partner universities can learn, teach and work together.
Contact: Dr. Katja Jung, Project Management European Digital UniverCity (EDUC) (katja.junguuni-potsdampde)
European University Association (EUA)
The University of Potsdam joined the European University Association (EUA) at the end of 2019. As the largest and most comprehensive network of European universities, the EUA represents more than 800 universities and national rectors' conferences in 48 European countries. The EUA provides its member universities with a forum for sharing expertise, strategic development, and networking. It also conducts joint studies and events. The EUA plays a decisive role in the Bologna Process and, as an independent representative body of higher education institutions, influences EU policy in the areas of higher education, research and innovation.
Contact: Marita Böhning, Senior Advisor for International Affairs / YERUN Coordinator (marita.boehninguuni-potsdampde)
Scholars at Risk Network (SAR)
The University of Potsdam joined the international Scholars at Risk Network in March 2017 to set an example in defense of personal and academic freedom and to support students and scholars at risk worldwide. Members of the University of Potsdam can invite scholars at risk or scholars at risk can participate in SAR network activities. The Welcome Center provides advice on further funding and networking opportunities within the framework of the "Philipp Schwartz Initiative" (Humboldt Foundation) and the "Off-University" association.
Information for "Researchers at Risk" (Welcome Center)
Contact: Claudia Rößling, Welcome Center/International Office (welcome-centeruuni-potsdampde)
Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN)
Since 2022, the University of Potsdam has been a member of the Young European Research Universities Networks (YERUN).The founding goals of the network are to strengthen and expand cooperation in the areas of research, academic education, and service to society. The members of YERUN are high-ranking, young research universities in Europe, which cooperate on an equal basis.
Contact: Marita Böhning, Senior Advisor for International Affairs / YERUN Coordinator (marita.boehninguuni-potsdampde)