The European Commission has awarded the Euroleague for Life Sciences Universities (ELLS) network approximately €7.2 million in funding for the next two years under the European Universities Initiative. As a member of ELLS, the Estonian University of Life Sciences has also been awarded European University status.
According to Endla Reintam, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the decision will create new opportunities for the university's students, researchers and staff to study, teach, collaborate in research, and exchange knowledge and experience with partner universities across Europe.
"We are entering a new phase of developing joint degree programmes, creating innovative learning formats, and integrating education, research and innovation more closely than ever before. Above all, this is essential for responding more effectively to the needs of both learners and the labour market. Agriculture, forestry and many other sectors need highly qualified professionals who can develop solutions to the challenges created by climate change, the evolving security situation and other major societal pressures. European University status is both an inspiration and a responsibility. It encourages us to take this development work forward, and the support of the European Commission and our outstanding partners will be invaluable," said Endla Reintam.
The ELLS network brings together Europe's leading universities specialising in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, natural resources, their sustainable management, and sustainable food systems. It comprises 11 universities from Austria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain and Sweden.
The ELLS universities already offer several joint master's programmes, organise around 15 international summer schools each year, and have hosted an annual Scientific Student Conference since 2009, attracting more than 300 participants every year. In 2026, ELLS celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Estonian University of Life Sciences has been actively involved in the network since 2023.
More information about ELLS is available at: https://www.euroleague-study.org/enlink opens in new page
Under the 2026 European Universities Initiative, the European Commission selected 20 European Universities for funding, with ELLS being one of the successful networks.
More information about the European Commission's decision is available at:
https://education.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/20-european-universities-alliances-selected-for-erasmus-fundinglink opens in new page
Editor:
Chief Specialist of Communications (Web Administrator)
Rector's Area of Responsibility
Department of Marketing and Communication
+372 7313004
+372 7313004Additional information
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
Rector's Area of Responsibility
Rector's Office
+372 7313057
+372 73130575170121
5170121