About LERU
Since its founding in 2002, the League of European Research Universities (LERU) has emerged as a prominent advocate for the promotion of basic research at European universities. LERU strongly believes that basic research plays an essential role in the innovation process and significantly contributes to the progress of society.
LERU aims at furthering the understanding and knowledge of politicians, policy makers and opinion leaders about the role and activities of research-intensive universities. Drawing on the impressive academic potential and expertise of its network, LERU has a strong and significant impact on research policy in Europe.
LERU is dedicated to continuing this through direct communication and discussions within the policy community, sound proposals for further improvement and progress, and carefully considered position papers on fundamental issues such as academic careers and the role of universities.
Our broad spectrum of activities and our contributions to the research policy debate have established LERU’s reputation as a major stakeholder in the EU. LERU now has an important and well-respected voice in the discussions about the future of Europe’s research policy. In the years to come, LERU will continue to influence policy, and intensify cooperation among like-minded organisations worldwide to stress the importance of universities for research and innovation.
Facts & figures
Together LERU member universities account for more than:
- 550,000 students, including 50,000 PhD candidates.
- Each year about 55,000 master's degrees and 12,000 doctorates are awarded at LERU universities.
- The total research budget of LERU’s members exceeds €5 billion.
- More than €1 billion is granted by research councils, while over €1.25 billion comes from contract research.
- The total sum of research grants from EU projects to LERU universities is approximately €300 million.
- More than 20% of ERC grants have been awarded to researchers at LERU universities.
- Over 230 Nobel Prize and Field Medal winners have studied or worked at LERU universities.
- 55,000 academic staff and 55,000 non-academic staff work at the member institutions (hospital-only staff not included).
Bernd Huber, Chair of LERU