Today, EURASHE officially inaugurated its new office located at the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels: Applied Sciences House. Designed as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing, this space represents the applied sciences sector and reflects the diversity of Europe’s changing higher education systems, its doors open to all who share the same vision, values and objectives of its members.
In 2025, EURASHE initiated the development of a new strategic concept, the Applied Sciences House. This initiative aims to provide added-value services and a shared space for Universities of Applied Sciences, European University Alliances and EURASHE members, offering them a “home” in Brussels as a hub for collaboration, policy dialogue and engagement at the heart of Europe.
This new vision was implemented in April 2025, when EURASHE changed its official name to the European Association for the Applied Sciences in Higher Education, in order to better define the Association and position it in the skills and knowledge spectrum. It replaced the previous name of European Association for Institutions in Higher Education, which reflects an old dichotomy between “universities” that prioritise knowledge creation, and “other HEIs” that are limited to teaching and skills for the labour market. EURASHE continues to proudly represent the practice-based dimension of higher education, but ‘practice drift’ is as evident in the sector as ‘academic drift’, and therefore the Association’s membership can and should remain open and diverse.
This perspective is shared by policymakers and employers, who see the value of diverse and interconnected higher education systems that can provide a range of skills and competences in the labour market, mixing sector- or profession-specific education with horizontal priorities like digital, adaptability, diplomacy, communication, and entrepreneurship. EURASHE stands in the space of applied higher education, representing higher education institutions but also faculties, departments or simply a mode of learning, teaching and application of knowledge for real world impact. It complements with other types of higher education but believes that this perspective justifies and merits a strong representation at EU, national and regional levels.
Applied Sciences House is a milestone for the applied sciences and for EURASHE, and we’ll do our best to make it a success. It’s more than just the EURASHE office—it’s an open house for universities and all other partners, a powerhouse for education in Europe and beyond.
In December 2025, EURASHE relocated its headquarters to a new office space in Rue de la Science 14 A, at the heart of the European Quarter in Brussels. This location reflects the vision outlined above in creating a space for collaboration and knowledge sharing that is welcoming, inclusive and participative, open to current members and stakeholders as well as prospective partners. Today, we inaugurate this space and open its doors to the wider EURASHE community, confident that it will act as a hub for the network and all who share our vision.
Some pictures from the opening reception can be found below, as well as quotes from European Commission representatives who attended the event.
One of [the European Commission’s] goals is to make Europe attractive to external talent. Thanks to the extension of its network, EURASHE can help us achieve that. This is a moment of celebration and a great start to a new phase for the Association.
EURASHE has always been a strong partner of the European Commission, co-shaping policies and programmes, and this should continue in the future. Partners like EURASHE and the E4 Group are essential to make the Bologna Process deliver on its promises. I’m very happy to continue working with EURASHE and partners in this new location. Congratulations!
