CESAER

CESAER is a non-profit association of leading universities of science and technology in Europe. CESAER was founded on 10 May 1990, seated in the Castle of Arenberg in Leuven, Belgium. The association unites over 50 leading universities of science and technology in 26 countries. The name CESAER was formed as an abbreviation for "Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research", but today only the short form CESAER is used.[1]

The organisation has five aims, quoted verbatim here:[2]

1. to learn from one another: share information and best practice in the areas of higher education, research, innovation and university governance;
2. to influence key bodies: aid policy-makers and funders to shape European strategies, policies and funding programmes;
3. to boost participation in (European) funding programmes;
4. to promote members strengths globally: support Members in displaying their excellence and distinctiveness at European level and beyond;
5. to advance debate on key issues: promote reflection and understanding of the role of science and technology in open knowledge societies.

The combined member institutions of the association have over 1 million students enrolled and employ over 86,000 academic staff.[3] The president from 2020-2021 is Rik Van de Walle, rector of Ghent University.[4]