Networking for improved children's universities
To further capitalise on the vision behind such an offering and its potential for sparking an interest in science on the part of young minds, the 'European children's universities network' (EUCUNET) project was initiated with EU funding. Most children's universities are located in German-speaking countries, and a Europe-wide network does not exist. Furthermore, beyond the fact that each one works as a single player and with a strong regional focus, there are no guidelines or established quality criteria for these universities. Bringing children directly into contact with science and scientific research, the university setting represents a unique and creative way of communicating science. It also offers insights into academic culture as well as the role of universities in society. A network is needed to support this communication model and boost initiatives seeking to expand in a geographical as well as conceptual context. Providing just such a network, EUCUNET offers interested parties, individuals, university research laboratories and other institutions the chance to participate and pose questions to a community of experts. More than 100 registered projects and many individuals are involved in the network, contributing to the discussion and advancement of children's universities. Better understanding the concept of children's universities will help build a knowledge base for their further development worldwide. The latter requires, among other actions, the drafting of implementation guidance notes, rules for monitoring criteria, benchmarking of concepts and more. Efforts in this direction have already been well supported by two major international conferences on children's universities. EUCUNET produced the 'White Book', which illustrates the overall state of the children's university approach in Europe. As a bridge builder between children's universities activities in different countries, the project outlined a base frame for international cooperation. EUCUNET networking efforts thus laid the foundations for a strong membership organisation and a well cross-linked network of worldwide relevance.
