Civic engagement

Our alliance strives to become an agent of change in European society, defending and promoting European democratic values, and becoming fully networked in the local communities.

We are building an innovative university model that branches out to high schools, minorities, policymakers, businesses, the civil society, the wider public, and other entities outside academia. Civic engagement is at the core of this ambition.

Our civic engagement activities unfold along three main directions:

CIVICA Public Lecture Series Tours d'Europe

Researchers and experts from CIVICA member universities share their findings and interrogations on contemporary issues with a non-expert audience. The events are open to all those interested.

Access to higher education

CIVICA partners organise various local activities to expose high school students to the university experience and promote social diversity.

CIVICA for society

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Action for marginalised groups

In the effort to promote societal cohesion across Europe, CIVICA runs various initiatives aimed at marginalised groups and other minorities. Building on the experiences of our member universities, these activities aim to improve the situation of the minorities, by highlight the role universities can play in their lives, fostering engagement with academia, and offering various opportunities.

Screenshot from role model videos created by Bocconi University

30-03-2022 Bocconi University

CIVICA graduates show high school students the way forward

A video project features graduates from the alliance’s schools to promote the importance and benefits of higher education and awareness of career opportunities at European level.

29-03-2022 SNSPA

”Fake News and Democracy” ─ SNSPA debate highlights how to empower people when confronted with misinformation

As part of the CIVICA public lecture series "Tours d'Europe," SNSPA hosted an online debate on the impact of fake news and disinformation on democracy.

High schol activities at Central European University

22-02-2022 CEU

CIVICA Peer to Peer Project illuminates paths to higher education

Students from underprivileged backgrounds with a successful path in higher education share their stories on camera for younger peers.

Hertie School students interact in front of a computer screen

02-02-2022 Hertie School

High schoolers get a first taste of university life at Hertie School social sciences event

Online discussion with pupils and CIVICA university students aims to promote access to higher education.

Online workshop for refugee students, credit: EUI

07-12-2021 EUI

A commitment to inclusiveness

The EUI and CIVICA take action to support diversity in European universities.

Climate demo Marseille credit GERARD BOTTINO Shutterstock

18-11-2021 Sciences Po

From evidence to action: “Climate Change and the EU” highlights the path forward in combating climate change

Sciences Po’s event in the CIVICA Public Lecture Series Tours d’Europe brought together researchers, students and the audience to address vital climate concerns.

28-10-2021 CEU

CIVICA high school activities help young learners imagine futures

A key component of the civic engagement work package, the activities are aimed at high school students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Tours d'Europe event at the EUI: panel discussion

07-06-2021 EUI

Not Only Erasmus - Making Ourselves Heard in Europe

The EUI’s researcher-led groups Engaged Academics and Thoughts for Europe continue their outreach activities engaging youth and connecting with the local community, this time with their involvement in the CIVICA Public Lecture ‘Tours d’Europe’, Not Only Erasmus – Making Ourselves Heard in Europe/ Non solo Erasmus – facciamoci sentire in Europa.

Panel discussion: Data Analytics and the Battle Against the Pandemic

30-03-2021 Bocconi University

Data analytics’ crucial role in the battle against the pandemic

On 18 March, Bocconi University hosted the latest event in the CIVICA Public Lecture Series Tours d'Europe, promoting a greater dialogue between researchers and society at large.

Premier Campus workshop on the Reims campus of Sciences Po, February 2020

10-03-2021 Sciences Po

CIVICA students and PhDs open international perspectives to Sciences Po Premier Campus high school students

Fostering international ambitions before entering higher education: on Friday 26 February, 37 French high schoolers from Sciences Po’s Premier Campus programme participated in online discussions with student and PhD representatives from CIVICA universities across Europe.

25-02-2021 CEU

CIVICA Public Lecture Series Tours d’Europe Launches with Democracy in the Time of Pandemic

On 15 February, Central European University (CEU) hosted the first event in a new CIVICA series committed to communicating social science research and knowledge from the eight partner universities into the public realm.

Chrys Margaritidis, CEU - Photo by Zoltan Adrian

12-08-2020 CEU

Community engagement: A vital part of CIVICA’s initiatives

Community engagement is an important part of any university’s relationship-building activities, and CIVICA is no different. CEU Dean of Students Chrys Margaritidis speaks to us about the role and initiatives of our alliance's civic engagement work package and why community engagement is vital.