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LERU – The League of European Research Universities

The League of European Research Universities (LERU) is a network of 24 of Europe’s most prestigious research-intensive universities, spanning 12 European countries, and working collectively to shape the future of higher education, research and innovation in Europe. Trinity College Dublin has been a member of LERU since 2017, making it the only university on the island of Ireland represented within this influential network. The University also plays a leading role in the LERU organisation, with Provost Linda Doyle currently serving as Chair of LERU's Board of Directors and its Rectors' Assembly - the network's principal governing body.

Through its governance structures, policy groups and expert working groups, LERU develops evidence-based positions and recommendations on key policy issues including research funding, open science, doctoral education, innovation, sustainability, academic freedom, talent development and international collaboration. As a recognised stakeholder for the European Commission and other EU institutions, LERU works to influence the policy and funding frameworks that underpin excellence in research, teaching and societal impact across Europe.

Beyond Europe, LERU is a member of the Global Research-Intensive Universities Network (GRIUN), a coalition of leading research university associations from Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, that works to advance international research collaboration and advocate for the role of research-intensive universities in addressing global challenges.

Trinity actively contributes to all of this work through participation across a wide range of LERU groups and initiatives, helping to ensure that Irish perspectives are represented in discussions that shape the future direction of European higher education, research and innovation policy. Through its engagement with LERU, Trinity strengthens both its own international influence and the collective voice of Europe's leading research universities.

An overview of Trinity's involvement in LERU can be found below.

Governing Bodies

LERU Group	Trinity participant(s)
LERU BoD – Board of Directors	(Chair) Provost & President, Dr Linda Doyle
RA – Rectors’ Assembly	(Chair) Provost & President, Dr Linda Doyle

Policy Groups

LERU Group	Trinity participant(s)
DOCT – Doctoral Studies	Dean of Graduate Studies, Prof. David Hevey
ENTE – Enterprise & Innovation	Director of Innovation, Dr Vincent Coole
ERM – European Research Managers	Associate Director - European Engagement, Doris Alexander Team Lead (Pillar 2, MSCA & EIC), Research Development Office, Dr Aisling Robinson
INFO – Information & Open Access	Librarian & College Archivist, Helen Shenton Head of Content Management, Dr Christoph Schmidt-Supprian
LEAR – Teaching & Learning	(Chair) Vice-Provost / Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Orla Sheils
DIGE - Digital Education	Senior Lecturer & Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Vinny Wade Head of School, School of Education, Prof. Ann Devitt
RESE – Research	Dean of Research, Prof. Sinéad Ryan
INTE - Research Integrity	Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity, Liam McKervey
CARE - Careers of Researchers & Human Resources	Director of Human Resources, Séamus McManus
EDI - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion	Vice-President for Equity, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Prof. Lorraine Leeson
INTL - International	Vice-President for Global Engagement, Prof. Alan O'Connor
RISK - Risk of International Research Collaborations	Knowledge Security Manager, Dr Joey Gaynor Director of Research, Dr Sally Smith
SUST - Sustainability	Vice-President for Biodiversity & Climate Action, Prof. Jane Stout Sustainability Manager, Jane Hackett
ANIM – Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes	Dr Kimberly Jardine, Designated Veterinarian

Network Groups

LERU Group	Trinity participant(s)
COMM – Directors of Communications	Director of Trinity Communications, Áine Griffin
SON – Senior Officers’ Network	Director of the Provost’s Office, Shane Collins

Thematic Groups

LERU Group	Trinity participant(s)
ALUM – Alumni	Director of Development, Jennifer Taaffe
LAW – Law	Head of School of Law, Prof. Oran Doyle
THRS – Theology & Religion Studies	Director of the Trinity Centre for Biblical Studies, Prof. David Shepherd