"Making the profile of universities of applied sciences in Europe more visible." The UAS4EUROPE university network has set itself this ambitious goal. In a short space of time, the network, which was founded in 2016, has succeeded in sustainably positioning universities of applied sciences with key decision-makers at European level and drawing attention to the expertise of this higher education sector, which is particularly effective in the regions.

The network has now welcomed a new member: at the UAS4EUROPE presidents' meeting on 6 November 2019 in Brussels, the Danish and Dutch Associations of Universities of Applied Sciences (University Colleges Denmark and Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) were admitted to UAS4EUROPE.

"This welcome addition strengthens the network, as it thrives on the active participation of all partners and each of us can use our specific contacts, national liaison offices and representations at European level for the common cause," says Raimund Ribitsch, President of the Austrian University of Applied Sciences Conference (FHK) and current Chairman of UAS4EUROPE.

Ribitsch continues: "Universities of Applied Sciences are the interface between science and business in terms of teaching and research. Our graduates are in high demand from the business world and generally do extremely well on the labour market. In research, we are seen as partners who ensure that fundamental research results also lead to innovations. We are convinced that it is precisely this profile feature that the EU's new research framework programme, Horizon Europe (HEu), must also have. In future consortia, universities of applied sciences can help to ensure that research results are "brought to the ground" and innovative products and services are created."

Strengthened by two new partner organisations, UAS4EUROPE will continue to help shape the European Research Area in the interests of universities of applied sciences and contribute the sector's expertise to its further development.

About UAS4EUROPE

UAS4EUROPE is a joint initiative of swissuniversities, Hochschule Bayern e.V.,UASnet, EURASHE,University Colleges Denmark, Netherlands Association of Universiteis of Applied Sciences and the FHK and is committed to a strong position and increased visibility of universities of applied sciences in the European research landscape. UAS4EUROPE represents 2.3 million students, more than 600 universities and more than 60,000 researchers.

Further information on the activities of UAS4EUROPE can be found on the website: https://www.uas4europe.eu and on Twitter UAS4EUROPE(@UAS4EUROPE).