International alliances
The University of Copenhagen is a member of several international alliances, of which the three most important are IARU, LERU, and 4EU+.
In addition, we engage in bilateral international strategic partnerships with selected universities.
IARU
International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) is an alliance of 11 of the world’s leading research universities. The main objective of IARU is to improve the ties between the members and to work together to address the major challenges of our time.
IARU promotes institutional joint working on various levels of the member universities, such interuniversity networking, institutional learning and staff development. Projects cover a broad range of topics, ranging from equal opportunities, technology transfer, technology-enhanced learning, research administration, libraries and Open Access. Through the alliance, students from the University of Copenhagen gain access to a range of global education initiatives.
The other members are the Australian National University, ETH Zürich, National University of Singapore, Peking University, The University of Tokyo, University of California - Berkeley, University of Cambridge, University of Cape Town, University of Oxford, and Yale University.
For specific questions regarding the IARU, please contact UCPH’s point of contact Tobi Egelund at ISPA@adm.ku.dk.
Read more about the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU)
LERU
The League of European Research Universities (LERU) is an alliance of 24 of the highest ranked Comprehensive European research universities. Drawing on the impressive academic potential and expertise of its network, LERU has a strong and significant impact on research, innovation and higher education policy in Europe.
The University of Copenhagen entered the league in 2017 with the aim to influence the European research and education agenda and to expand and enhance relations to other LERU members. UCPH is an active partner and contributor to LERU activities at all levels of engagement.
For specific questions regarding LERU, please contact the University’s point of contact Jonas Husum Johannesen at ISPA@adm.ku.dk.
Read more about the League of European Research Universities (LERU)
4EU+
University of Copenhagen is a member of the 4EU+ alliance. The alliance consists of six universities. The other members are Charles University in Prague, Heidelberg University, Sorbonne University in Paris, University of Milan, and University of Warsaw.
The network will explore collaboration in teaching, education, research and administration, with the aim to establish integrated European University System. In 2019, 4EU+ was selected by the European Commission as a pilot in European University Initiative, which will be fully rolled out and scaled up under the next Erasmus programme 2021-2027.
For specific questions regarding 4EU+, please, contact UCPH’s point of contact Martha Bird at 4EUplusUCPH@adm.ku.dk.
Funding for international projects
International strategic partnerships are supported through the International Strategic Partnership Seed Fund. In 2026, UCPH staff can apply for funding for collaborative activities with the following universities:
Strategic track
- University of Edinburgh (priority partner)
- Imperial College London
- University College London
- Cornell University
- University of Toronto
- University of Tokyo.
Thematic track (2026 – the Nordic region)
- University of Oslo
- University of Bergen
- Lund University
- Uppsala University
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- University of Iceland
- Ilisimatusarfik University
- University of the Faroe Islands
Further information
UCPH employees can find further information on KUnet or by contacting ispa@adm.ku.dk.
International partners looking to engage in collaborative activities through this funding opportunity are encouraged to contact relevant counterparts at UCPH.