Uni-Tübingen

CIVIS - Europe's Civic University Alliance

CIVIS logo: Outline of Europe with dots marking participating universities, text "CIVIS, Europe's Civic University Alliance"

The University of Tübingen has joined with ten other European institutions of higher education in the CIVIS – A European Civic University alliance. Together, the partners want to promote student exchange, develop joint teaching offers, open up opportunities for research and advance cooperation formats with actors in European civil society. In addition, they work closely with strategic partners in Africa. The alliance's aim is to address the major social challenges of the 21st century, to conduct the relevant research and to act responsibly and sustainably with an eye to the future.

Local CIVIS Days 2026 – Europe on Campus

Programm

Around Europe Day, the Local CIVIS Days will take place at the University of Tübingen from May 4–13. Current European challenges will be addressed from both a higher‑education and student perspective, accompanied by a range of activities — feel free to join us.

Poster zum Download in pdf, 328 KB

Opening Event

The Local CIVIS Days will be opened by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A:

“Democracy and Europe: Higher Education Policy in the Context of Current Political Developments”
How is democracy in Europe faring?
What role do right‑wing populist parties envision for universities?
Vice‑Rector Prof. Dr. Monique Scheer speaks with Dr. Rolf Frankenberger about

  • Current political shifts in Europe
  • Democracy and right‑wing parties
  • CIVIS 2.1: democracy as a key future topic from 2026 onwards
  • Perspectives from Tübingen

→ What is the greatest added value of CIVIS?
Think. Engage. Shape the future.

When: Monday, May 4, 1:00 PM
Where: Neue Aula, Kleiner Senat
Language: German
 

Studying in Crisis – Sharing Experiences across Europe

The event “Studying in Crisis: Sharing Experiences across Europe” offers space for insights and exchange.

The session will begin with an input by the Youth Secretary of the German Trade Union Confederation, who will share perspectives on what collective action and solidarity among students could look like. This will be followed by discussion, experience‑sharing, and an exchange of perspectives on cross‑border student solidarity.

When: Monday, May 11, 2026, 4:00 PM
Where: Lecture Hall 21, Kupferbau
Language: English

 

Internationalisation in Practice – International Day

Going abroad through short‑term programmes — the International Day provides information and experiences related to Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), COIL formats, and other international opportunities.

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 10 PM – 3 PM
Where: Obere Säle der Museumsgesellschaft, Wilhelmstr. 3

 

Experience CIVIS on Campus and Join the Conversation

In addition to the thematic events, CIVIS will be visible and actively present on campus throughout the action period with:

  • Discover CIVIS at the Pop‑Up Performance by Saltantes, the show dance group of University Sports
    When: Tuesday, May 5, 12:30 PM (5 minutes)
    Where: Meadow in front of the University Library (UB)
  • Discover CIVIS at the table tennis challenges together with the SGM “movement snack”
    (University Library on May 7 and Morgenstelle, Mensa on May 12, both around lunchtime), including information about CIVIS.

The Local CIVIS Days 2026 combine key European debates with student perspectives and campus‑based activities. We invite everyone to engage with Europe locally — and help shape it together.

Subscribe to the CIVIS@UT channel

Subscribe to the MS Teams channel “CIVIS@UT” (https://t1p.de/imbcj) to get notified about new offers.

Booklet: CIVIS in Tübingen

A brochure about CIVIS in Tübingen, covering background information, projects, structures, and contact persons, can be downloaded by members of the University of Tübingen after logging in here.

Projects and funding

In order to achieve the objectives of the alliance, the CIVIS universities apply for joint projects. In particular, CIVIS universities receive additional funding under the European Commission's European Universities Initiative in the Erasmus+ program. These university-wide projects focus on the development of CIVIS as an alliance and the establishment of joint as well as local structures and processes. Among other things, these structures should facilitate the acquisition and realisation of specfic collaborative research and teaching projects. Contact: Anna Thorwart

Further information about the existing support for teaching staff and researchers