WHEB works closely with universities and sector bodies to sustain and develop existing partnerships and collaborations between universities, research organisations and businesses across Europe within the context of the developing EU-UK relationship.

Funding and governance

WHEB is part of Universities Wales and is funded by all Welsh universities and Medr.

Our work is guided by a Board chaired by Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, with senior representatives from all Welsh universities and Medr.

Networks and partnerships

WHEB is a member of:

  • ERRIN, the European Regions Research and Innovation Network, comprising over 125 regions and cities from 22 countries across Europe.
  • UNiLiON, which involves over 50 Brussels offices representing 150 universities across Europe and Japan.

Together with links to other Brussels-based organisations, these networks provide the Welsh higher education sector with a well-connected resource to support their European activities.

WHEB also works with the Welsh Government Brussels office and the wider Welsh Government European Network.

European engagement

The Welsh Government International Strategy, launched in January 2020, emphasised Wales’ commitment to continued European engagement with a particular focus on strengthening relationships with key partners across Europe.

European engagement is important for Welsh universities with many European students and staff studying and working at Welsh universities, and thousands of research collaborations taking place with partners across Europe. 

Welsh universities are participating in the current Horizon Europe research and innovation programme with collaborative projects involving partners across Europe, as well as European Research Council, Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions and European Innovation Council awards.

Wales received over €100 million through the Horizon 2020 European research and innovation programme. This funding has supported over 250 Welsh participations enabling over 2,820 collaborative links with 70 countries in projects worth over €1.4 billion.

Students and staff at Welsh universities benefit from the Welsh Government-funded Taith programme, which supports international education mobility to and from Wales, with significant mobilities between Wales and the rest of Europe.

Contact us

To find out more about WHEB please contact Berwyn Davies or Catherine Marston.