As we celebrate five years of Circle U., we can be proud of how far we have come. Together, we have made great strides towards turning what started as a joint project into a permanent and deeply embedded alliance of nine high-profile universities… Their conviction and efforts are the driving forces behind our progress.
Professor Julia von Blumenthal, President of Circle U. and Rector of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
09 December 2025
Celebrating partnerships across Europe with Circle U.
More than 200 representatives from partner institutions of the Circle U. European University Alliance gathered in Vienna to celebrate five years of collaboration.
Circle U. brings together nine universities across Europe committed to deepening collaboration in teaching, research and innovation. Over the past five years, the alliance has developed into a vibrant network for sharing expertise, creating joint initiatives and enabling students and staff to engage internationally.
As a founding member, King’s has helped shape Circle U.’s strategic priorities and expand opportunities for its community. The university has contributed to joint courses, summer schools, mobility schemes and collaborative research projects, strengthening King’s engagement in Europe.
The two-day event brought together students, university leadership, academics, and professional services staff from across the alliance. Attendees discussed achievements to date and considered the future strategy and priorities for Circle U. within the context of the European Commission’s plans for a European Higher Education Area, as well as the partners’ strategic priorities.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Julia von Blumenthal, President of Circle U. and Rector of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, noted the progress made in strengthening cooperation across member institutions.
Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) at King’s, emphasised the alliance’s central role in strengthening the university’s global engagement.
The Circle U alliance facilitates and enhances our links with key European partners, enabling the sharing of expertise, programmes, resources and networks, therefore creating many more opportunities for King’s students and staff.
Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Engagement & Service) at King’s
One of the initiatives highlighted at the event was the Open Campus, a virtual platform offering students a growing range of joint educational opportunities across the alliance. It provides access to expert talks, hackathons, online and in-person courses, summer schools and other activities designed to expand the offer to the alliance’s students. With 44 joint courses already available and 19 more launching in spring, it underscores the rapid growth of Circle U.’s shared educational ecosystem, expanding access to international experiences for students who may be unable to spend extended periods studying abroad.
The development of Knowledge Hubs was also recognised as a major milestone. These hubs focus on artificial intelligence, climate, democracy and global health, bringing together students, academics and partner institutions to co-create new research and education programmes on pressing societal challenges.
Lilli Rupprechter, a PhD student in the Department of Geography at King’s who has been involved in Circle U. both as a learner and, more recently, as a member of its Summer School teaching team, shared her experience of the alliance.
For me, attending and contributing to Circle U. was a true full ‘circle’ moment: first as a PhD student at the Aarhus Summer School on climate change, now teaching for two consecutive years at the Circle U. Summer School in Berlin on Climate Action. I have learned so much and now have the chance to give back. The Climate Hub does amazing work, and I can say this from both sides, as a student and as a teacher. It is not only deeply interesting but truly rewarding to learn from and contribute to such a great team.
Lilli Rupprechter, PhD student at King's
For King’s, Circle U. remains an important platform for enhancing the internationalisation of teaching and learning, supporting King’s engagement in Europe, and providing students with transformative experiences that prepare them to live and work in a more interconnected world. As the alliance enters its next phase, King’s looks forward to deepening its involvement and ensuring staff and students continue to benefit from the opportunities it provides.
Find out more about Circle U. and upcoming opportunities for King’s staff and students by visiting the Circle U. webpage. You can also explore key milestones from the past five years in the alliance’s 2025 Activity Report.
For any questions about Circle U. at King’s and how to get involved, contact the Circle U. team: circle-u@kcl.ac.uk
In this story
Vice President (International, Engagement & Service)
PhD student