EELISA European University
Since 2023, the ZHAW has been a member of the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA), a network of ten universities from across eight European countries. The alliance aims to strengthen collaboration among European universities and foster interdisciplinary expertise that goes beyond the realm of engineering education.
EELISA European University promotes the exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and technology between students, researchers and staff across its member universities. The alliance is guided by the United Nations Sustainability Goals (UN SDGs) and is committed to inclusion and diversity. For this reason, the acronym EELISA is also a tribute to Elisa Leonida Zamfirescu, a famous Romanian engineer who in 1912 became one of the first women to earn an engineering degree and later gained international recognition for her work.
Membership in the EELISA alliance opens up new opportunities for the ZHAW to collaborate with leading universities across the EU, strengthening partnerships within Europe. Students, employees and partner companies of the ZHAW benefit from interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation at a European level. As part of the alliance, the ZHAW focusses on the areas of Employability and Partnerships and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, among other things.
What is EELISA? Further information on the alliance’s vision, mission and current initiatives
Opportunities for students and staff
ZHAW students and staff can take advantage of numerous offers and benefits provided by the EELISA university alliance.
Benefits and offers for students
Students can benefit from the EELISA university alliance in several ways:
- Access to exchange programmes, internships and the opportunity to study at EELISA partner universities (Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels)
- Double degree programmes with degrees from multiple universities as well as joint degree programmes
- Access to interdisciplinary projects and courses, including EELISA Microcredentials for completed learning programmes at partner universities
- Strengthening of intercultural skills and the opportunity to network internationally in EELISA Communities
Benefits and offers for staff
- Participation in international and interdisciplinary research projects within the EELISA alliance as well as easier access to funding opportunities and project support
- Access to libraries, laboratory facilities and working materials at the various partner universities
- Networking as part of thematically organised Communities and participation in joint calls
- Short stays at partner universities as well as participation in workshops or conferences within the alliance
- Exchanges with colleagues from other universities within the alliance
Participation in Communities
EELISA is currently organised into 45 Communities that are open to students, researchers, lecturers and external partners. These thematically focussed working groups are dedicated to solving real-world problems related to sustainability. The EELISA Communities offer various activities held online, on site or on a hybrid basis.
EELISA Credentials, which document contributions made towards achieving the UN SDGs, are awarded for all activities and courses offered within the EELISA Communities. Social and sustainable engagement is firmly embedded in the Communities.
Universities of the EELISA Alliance
- Budapesti Műszaki és Gazdaságtudományi Egyetem (Ungarn)
- École nationale des ponts et chaussées (Frankreich)
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (Deutschland)
- İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi (Türkei)
- Scuola Normale Superiore (Italien)
- Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Italien)
- Universitatea Politehnica din Bucureşti (Rumänien)
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (Frankreich)
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spanien)
- ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (Schweiz)
«Through EELISA, the ZHAW is involved in a strong European network that focuses on collaborative learning, responsible innovation and positive social change.»
Friederike Bacciarini, Project Manager EELISA European University
Other team members
Communications Officer: Jamuna Siehler
Project Assistant: Manuela Rüdt
Academic Coordinator: Dr. Manuel Dömer