Consortium

The University of Groningen (UG) is one of the oldest and most prestigious public research universities in the Netherlands. Located in the city of Groningen in the northern Netherlands, the University is internationally recognised for its strong academic tradition, research excellence, and commitment to societal impact. Research is a core pillar of the University’s mission, and UG consistently ranks among Europe’s leading research universities, with particular strength in interdisciplinary and international collaboration. UG’s strategic plan Making Connections (2021–2026) emphasises interdisciplinarity, the integration of research and teaching, and strong links between science and society. Research activities are organised through faculties, research institutes, and interdisciplinary centres, with a focus on global challenges, sustainability, cultural heritage, and social transformation. The University places strong emphasis on high-quality, research-led education, integrating academic excellence with critical thinking, international perspectives, and societal relevance.

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The Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society (RCS) is an independent, multidisciplinary faculty and the University’s centre of expertise in religion and culture. It is the only independent, public, non-confessional faculty in the Netherlands offering degree programmes in theology and religious studies. Its teaching and research have been assessed as excellent in recent national evaluations. RCS approaches religion as a dynamic and socially embedded phenomenon, examined through historical, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and cultural perspectives. Its work is explicitly comparative and interdisciplinary, addressing religion in relation to politics, ethics, heritage, migration, identity, secularisation, and global social change.

The Jagiellonian University (JU), located in Krakow, is the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the most distinguished universities in Central Europe. Its long-term development is guided by University Strategy 2030, which defines strategic objectives focused on sustainable research excellence, integration of education and societal engagement, international openness, inclusive academic environments, and efficient institutional governance.

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The Institute of Religious Studies is the only academic unit in Poland offering a comprehensive programme in the critical and interdisciplinary study of religion. As part of the Faculty of Philosophy, the Institute conducts high-quality research addressing complex and socially relevant challenges and is actively involved in interdisciplinary and international projects. It employs 23 full-time academic staff members and collaborates with visiting scholars and researchers participating in ERASMUS and CEEPUS programmes. Its four departments cover phenomenological, sociological, philosophical, historical, and interdisciplinary approaches to religion, ensuring strong academic breadth and depth.

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is one of Spain’s leading public universities. Founded in 1968 and located near Barcelona, the UAB is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research performance, and its strong capacity to attract international talent. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the UAB ranked first among Spanish universities, 178th worldwide, and 72nd in Europe.

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UAB is a research-intensive institution with a strong international profile and a firm commitment to high standards in researcher development and recruitment, recognised by the European Commission through the HR Excellence in Research logo. Its research spans social sciences and humanities, biotechnology and health, environmental sciences and sustainability, materials and energy, and information and communication technologies. These areas are integrated within a single campus, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The University also acts as the hub of the UAB Sphere, a knowledge ecosystem connecting research centres, public authorities, businesses, and the largest hospital network in Catalonia, supporting innovation and societal engagement

The Cyprus Institute (CyI), located in Aglantzia, is a world-class, non-profit research and educational institution with a strong scientific and technological orientation. It is a regional Center of Excellence, addressing issues of regional interest but of global significance, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary research and international collaborations. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East, CyI serves as an EU gateway for research.

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The Cyprus Institute Graduate School is an accredited, degree-granting institution dedicated exclusively to graduate education. It offers research-oriented PhD and MSc programmes designed to attract talented students from around the world and to equip them with advanced knowledge and skills for academia, industry, and public service. Students work closely with distinguished faculty within internationally recognised research teams, using cutting-edge methods and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Interdisciplinary collaboration is central to the learning environment, addressing regional challenges with global impact. Comprehensive academic and administrative support is provided by the Office of Graduate Studies, ensuring a high-quality international student experience.

Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), located in Kalady, Kerala, is guided by the motto Jñānādeva Tu Kaivalyam (“Liberation is from knowledge alone”) and is committed to advancing higher learning through the study of Sanskrit, Indian knowledge systems, and the humanities. SSUS is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), achieving an A grade in 2014 and an A+ grade in 2021.

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The University operates from its main campus in Kalady and six regional campuses across Kerala, ensuring broad access to higher education. Its academic focus spans Sanskrit studies, Indian philosophy, Indology, fine and performing arts, social sciences, languages, and heritage research, supported by manuscript preservation and publication initiatives. SSUS maintains a strong research culture, an inclusive and environmentally conscious campus, and growing international collaborations.

The Universidad de Guanajuato (UGto) is a public state university located in central Mexico. Its main campus is situated in the city of Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1948. The University is organised into four campuses and a High School System and hosts a strong academic and research community, including 628 academics accredited by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (CONAHCYT).

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UGto hosts more than 125 research groups operating in 331 laboratories, with approximately 40% of projects involving international collaboration. Its academic activities are guided by a comprehensive Educational Model and Institutional Development Plan, ensuring quality and innovation in teaching and learning. UGto demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into its Institutional Development Plan 2021–2030. Since 2019, UGto has hosted the UNESCO Chair on Law, Society and Heritage, serving as a hub for research and education linked to the World Heritage city of Guanajuato.