The Academic Union is an international academic association of over 350 University Chancellors, Scientists and Researchers. The committees and the Union as a whole pursue the ideals of Academic Excellence, Innovation and Accessibility and are committed to disseminating these core values through its worldwide community.The primary aim of the Union is to consolidate the efforts of scientists, educators, industrialists, and manufacturers on science, education and business integration and development in the XXIst century.

Leaders of higher education, institutions, colleges, researchers, scientists, teachers, and representatives of higher education and business structures can join the Academic Union, regardless of ethnic or religious backgrounds. In addition, educational organizations and institutions can join the Academic Union as associate members. 

The Academic Union members are invited to attend the annual Union gathering - EBA Reception, which is traditionally held in Oxford since 2000, as well as other activities of the Union’s partners to share experiences, discuss new research and gain support from each other.

The Rectors' Club (The Club of the Rectors of Europe - CRE) is the elite division of the Academic Union, Oxford for University rectors, vice-chancellors and senior staff for improving educational programmes and expanding international and multicultural relations.

This organisation is dedicated to furthering communication and the exchange of ideas between rectors, deans and senior academics throughout the world. Throughout the year, members of the CRE gather at events to share their experiences and discuss new ways of managing and improving their institutions.

Continually growing in membership numbers and spheres of influence, the CRE inspires development and action and rewards achievement through its unique awards programme; recipients include senior figures in education from many countries worldwide. The CRE currently consists of over a hundred members from 30 countries.

Full title of organisation: The Club of the Rectors of Europe.
Abbreviation: CRE.

The Club of the Rectors of Europe is a non-profit public organisation. In performing its statutory tasks, the CRE acts in accordance within the legal statutes of the United Kingdom and the guidelines of the European Universities' Great Charter.
Voluntary participation, educational integration, self-management and justice are the key principles of CRE activity.

The Club of the Rectors of Europe has been fully incorporated as a legal entity since the date of its official registration. The Club of the Rectors of Europe as an organisation is able to exert ownership over any number of properties (either intellectual or real property) and meet the obligations arising; can act on its own behalf to gain and execute civil liberties, incur obligations arising, and act as plaintiff and defendant in court. CRE is not responsible for the individual obligations of its members.

The Rectors’ Club can establish its own registered symbols including emblems, banners and pennants.

Members of the Club of the Rectors of Europe can be rectors, presidents or founders of higher educational institutions from any country or anyone involved in higher education.

Welcome address from Dr. Vincenzo Costigliola, Honourary President of the Academic Union Oxford (AUO)

Dear members, colleagues and friends, 
It is with great honour that I have accepted the position of President of the Academic Union.
I am delighted to be joining the Academic Union at a very exciting time; full of ambitious projects, expansions, and no doubts, challenges.
I am committed to provide support in order for these projects to be successfully completed. 

The programs and objectives presented by the AU are broad and stimulating, facing the increasing needs of a rapidly evolving multicultural and multi-ethnic society.
Being able to actively contribute to the realisation of the projects that AU suggests becomes for me a professional as well as a personal commitment which, however, will need everyone’s effort, support and continuous enthusiasm to overcome any upcoming challenges in order to achieve our much wanted results. I look forward to working with you all.

Mission and Vision

The Academic Union mission is integration and coordination of the educational institutions, scientific research institutes and business structures to enhance and improve educational research, educational and cultural activities, and to provide scientific ideas and inventions implementation. 

Its vision is to support the endeavours of its members, for the innovative projects and programmes, as well as raise interest and funding for such projects.

Members are joined to actively participate in the following international projects:

• Publication of the institution presentation page and scientific article in the Socrates Almanac (deadline for materials May, 28). Materials requirements are in the registration form
• Press-releases about scientific research and findings in the e-newsletter ‘The Leaders Times’, at the official websites
• Academy of Higher Education Management Intensive Training programmes (priority right to participate in the project)
• ‘Innovative Rector of the Year’ Contest
• Guest Professor/ Guest Lecturer/ Guest Expert‘ project: organization of lectures, seminars in your institution
• The Smart Education Platform programme will allow you to conduct online lectures, conferences, webinars, including from the Academic Lounge in Oxford
• ‘Speakers & Experts Bureau’ - the international project to shortlist best sector experts and professors to carry conferences&forums (priority right to participate in the project)
• AU Publishing in Oxford monographs, scientific articles, etc. (priority right to participate in the project)
• Nominal open grants for young scholars and students(priority right to participate in the project)
• ‘The Academic Lounge’ project (inclusive distant office and conference-services in Oxford)
• Academic Working Sessions on the topic of modern challenges and solutions in the field of education and research

• Visiting missions to the Universities of AU members

• ‘The Scientist of the Year’ - open contest of the Academic and Research excellence
• AU Design Studio project and services
• Annual Summit of Leaders in Oxford - major gathering of the year

Academic Council

Dr. Vincenzo Costigliola

Honorary President of the Academic Union Oxford
President of the European Medical Association, Belgium

Ivan Savvov

Executive Director of the Academic Union Oxford
Director of International Relations, EBA Conferences, UK     

Dr. Rui Verde

Head of the Law and Economics Department of the Academic Union Oxford
PhD Law. University of Newcastle, UK

Heinz Wehrle

CEO, Prime Business Destinations
Managing Partner of Horwath HTL, Switzerland – Global  

Dr. Iain B. McIntosh
President of the British Global and Travel Health Association, UK 

Dr. Rami Hikmat Al-Hadeethi
Coordinator of innovative projects in the field of education.

Visiting Professor – Global Education Career Centre (GECC)– London, UK

Accreditation (Apply to participate in the AUO)

Join an outstanding academic community

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Best wishes from the Academic Union team.