The strategic objective of EUCU.NET is to consolidate the existing Children's Universities and enhance their further growth throughout Europe. Hereby it is intended to cement already existing procedures in order to successfully achieve the above aims. Furthermore, it is intended to increase interaction among member states and to extent existing practices in a professional and concerted manner.

EUCU.NET contributes to a substantial increase in scientific awareness among children and young people. It overcomes stereotypes and outdated notions about science in general and it changes the perceptions young people have about scientific careers in general possibly even creating new academic role models. All of which are inevitable prerequisites to fostering participation from children in all social sectors of society.

The Birth of EUCU.NET

Phase 1 (March 2008 – December 2008): Review

The most important objective of this phase was to identify the existing Children’s Universities and to analyse their reports, evaluations and so on. Furthermore, this phase included compiling a detailed description of the respective aims and concepts of these Universities and formalizing a schedule of current activities. The range of data is gathered in a database and a bibliography which serves as a source of information for all. Research results are summarized and potential lack in impact analysis is uncovered. The results will be made available to academic and policy audiences and the public at large.

Phase 2 (December 2008 – December 2009): Network and quality development

EUCU.NET established an interactive and collaborative Web Portal with the intension of supporting the interaction and exchange of information and providing ongoing support for members. In this respect a Web2.0 approach was pursued in an attempt to foster the involvement of key players and practitioners.

In February 2009 an initial conference took place in Tübingen, Germany. In December 2009 a follow-up Twin City Conference was held in Bratislava/Slovakia and Vienna/Austria. The conferences brought together already established and experiences Children’s Universities organisers and those still in a planning phase. The conferences provide a platform for policy makers (e.g. the participation of three EU Commissioners), educational researchers, experts in didactics, scientific journalists, representations from industry, research organisations, universities and the like. This is of superior importance because one of the networks primary aims is a sustainable lobbying platform for the cause of Children's Universities.

EUCU.NET established Mentoring Partnerships who fostered the transfer of know-how and created a framework for cooperation. It is expected that the Mentoring Partnerships provide a sustained spread of excellence and will strengthen generally the whole idea of the Children’s Universities.

Implementation guidance notes and monitoring criteria for organisers of Children’s Universities have been compiled from the results of a review of existing concepts and available literature (research reports, impact analyses, didactical evaluation and the like).

Phase 3 (December 2009 – March 2010): Documentation of Results

The major outcome of EUCU.NET is the preparation of a White Paper, which will comprise all facets of the project (implementation guidance notes, monitoring criteria, review of the current state of the impact analysis, benchmarking of concepts, summarising experiences gained from mentoring Partnerships and compiling a contact list). This paper will illustrate the overall state of the Children’s University approach in Europe and will also serve as a reference book for further promotion and development of Children’s Universities throughout Europe.

EUCU.NET was funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), Science in Society.