The founding organisations behind ACE

One of Poland's leading technical universities and the coordinator of the ACE Alliance. Founded in 1945, TUL is home to nearly 11,000 students across a wide range of engineering, science and management disciplines. The university has a strong reputation for innovative teaching and international cooperation, and it has made the Third Mission, service to community and society, a core part of its institutional strategy. Within ACE, TUL leads the overall coordination of the project and champions the structural embedding of community engagement in higher education.

A Danish organisation specialising in digital and inclusive learning. EUEI's team of instructional designers and education specialists develops engaging, learner-led online resources for audiences across Europe, with a strong focus on accessibility and real-world impact. The institute has extensive experience delivering European cooperation projects and translating complex project outputs into practical, usable learning tools. Within ACE, EUEI leads the development of the digital platform and interactive content, ensuring the Alliance's resources reach and resonate with universities and community partners across the continent.

An international quality assurance body dedicated to helping universities become more entrepreneurial and engaged. Based in Münster, ACEEU is the only accreditation council worldwide focused specifically on universities' third mission, and it works with institutions across every continent on institutional change, engagement strategy and recognition. Its team combines academic insight with hands-on experience of organisational transformation. Within ACE, ACEEU leads the formation of the Alliance itself and the development of the ACE Toolkit, bringing proven frameworks for embedding community engagement into university structures.

The largest and oldest university in Serbia and one of the largest in the region, with more than 100,000 students across 31 faculties. Founded in 1808, the University of Belgrade combines a long academic tradition and research excellence with a growing emphasis on social responsibility, civic engagement and openness to the community. The university plays a central role in the modernisation of higher education in the Western Balkans. Within ACE, it brings the perspective of a large comprehensive university and strengthens the Alliance's reach beyond the EU's borders.

Estonia's oldest and most prestigious university, founded in 1632 and consistently ranked among the leading universities in the Baltic region. The University of Tartu combines research excellence with a strong tradition of public engagement and societal dialogue. Its Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies is internationally recognised for work on governance, participation and European policy. Within ACE, the institute contributes expertise in stakeholder dialogue, strategic foresight and policy analysis, helping the Alliance ground its work in evidence and connect it to the wider European higher education agenda.

A multi-campus technological university serving Ireland's Midlands and Midwest regions, with more than 14,500 students. Established in 2021, TUS combines applied research and practice-based education with a deep commitment to regional and community development, sustainability and social inclusion. Its campuses work closely with local enterprises, public bodies and community organisations, making engagement part of everyday university life. Within ACE, TUS's applied social sciences expertise drives the empowerment and training elements of the project, helping staff and partners build the skills to collaborate effectively.