The question European universities need to ask is ‘What can we do for Europe?’

As Rector of Aalborg University, Denmark, I am honoured to take on the role as CESAER Envoy during Denmark’s EU Presidency in Autumn 2025.

As my predecessors, I am fully aware that my appointment comes at a crucial moment: in a time of conflicts, wars, climate crises and pandemics, but also in what could be the pinnacle of scientific cooperation in the EU. In Europe, we share a history and a fate, but we also share possibilities – perhaps greater than ever before.

“This new sense of urgency” as President Ursula von der Leyen put it in her speech marking the first 100 days of the new European Commission, has prompted the political leaders of Europe to increase European defence spending and boost European competitiveness. In her speech, von der Leyen emphasised that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, secure communication networks, satellite technology, autonomous vehicles and robotics are essential for both defence and competitiveness.

CESAER must be even more vocal of the fact that research and innovation are the very foundation for these technological advancements. Without strong universities of science and technology, there will be no innovative capability in Europe, and longtime investments in European research communities are therefore imperative for both European security and competitiveness.

As the President of the European Research Council (ERC) Maria Leptin, expressed it in her speech at the European Parliament's ITRE Committee last February, the warning signs have been clear for years: we are falling behind in advanced technologies while remaining anchored in industries of the past. This was further amplified by Mario Draghi report published in September 2024.

This is the burning platform in which the initial drafts for the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) are being developed as this will lay the foundation for Europe’s future, including research and innovation. During the upcoming Danish EU Presidency, I will use my influence to create opportunities for CESAER Members and raise awareness about the crucial work CESAER and the broader university sector is doing. I will also advise stakeholders on collaborating effectively with CESAER and its Members.

As Envoy, I will seek to bridge academia, industry, and government, positioning CESAER and its Member universities as pivotal players in driving cross-sector innovation. This collaboration is essential to address the major challenges outlined in the Draghi report, namely closing the innovation gap, decarbonising the economy while boosting competitiveness and increasing security.

Universities must adapt

In this hyper-complex reality, with the overarching challenges facing us, our continent can no longer be addressed by the ‘old’ methods. That is a fact that we, the university sector, must recognise and accept. We must make our organisations more agile and focused on creating a real impact with our research to enhance its relevance and strengthen our ability to cooperate with stakeholders ranging from government to grassroots organisations, from industry to incubators.

It was in acknowledging the need for a completely new approach where science and scientists, to a far greater extent, are taking responsibility for cooperating and finding solutions, that we, at Aalborg University, chose to become a mission-oriented university. As a university sector, we have a responsibility to work closely with industry and key players to solve global problems. I am committed to contributing to this effort and speaking on behalf of CESAER under the Danish EU Presidency.

For this to be successful, we also need to take several crucial steps in our approach to research-governance and cooperation at the European level. We must ensure a focus on the entire knowledge value chain, from basic research to scaling up innovations. It is crucial to accelerate the pace of EU research and innovation cooperation. Additionally, we need to streamline processes to obtain permissions and implement projects swiftly. To foster innovation, it is essential to retain existing talent, attract more talent to Europe and recognise and reward merit in the scientific community for excellence in innovation.

While we may be unfortunate to live in a time of wars, climate crises, and pandemics, the European Union, despite being born from the aftermath of disaster, has made remarkable political strides over the last 70 years. It has grown into one of the world’s largest economies and a stronghold of freedom and democracy.

Only by combining the power of our collective scientific knowledge will we also restore Europe’s position as a technological powerhouse.

Within CESAER we must engage critically and constructively – and by doing so, take responsibility for our shared future by transforming complex challenges into sustainable changes. This is our duty. Our obligation. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to create a brighter future.

Per Michael Johansen

CESAER Envoy to the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU

Rector of Aalborg University

Photo credits: Inna Stelmark