Doctorate statement

As requested by the general assembly in November 2004, a joint statement on the doctorate was issued by the IDEA League partners. This undertaking showed how closely the IDEA League partners collaborate in university education. Having never met before, in a single meeting, the representatives of each university easily agreed on how they understand the doctorate: Research is the most predominant and essential component of the doctorate. Providing skills and new knowledge for research & development and innovation in commerce or industry is an important topic, also with respect to the current European concern. The IDEA League strives to educate independent and autonomous scientists following the tradition of the European doctorates.

The complete statement can be found under www.idealeague.org/about/docs/doctorate_profile.pdf. This statement has also been sent to the European University Association (EUA) which prepares input to the Bergen conference in May 2005 (follow-up of Bologna process).