EUA appoints Amanda Crowfoot as Secretary General

The European University Association (EUA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Crowfoot as its new Secretary General. She will replace Lesley Wilson, who has led EUA since its foundation.

"I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the next Secretary General of EUA,” Crowfoot said upon accepting the position. “I very much look forward to working with the staff, members and external stakeholders to promote and strengthen the crucial role of Europe’s universities.”

Crowfoot was previously Director of Science Europe, the association representing major public research funding and performing organisations in Europe. She joined Science Europe in 2012 as its first Director and was responsible for establishing its office in Brussels, as well as developing and implementing its policy agenda. From 2001 to 2012, Crowfoot worked at the UK Research Office (UKRO) – the Brussels office of the UK research councils – first as a European Advisor, and then, from 2005, as Director of the Office. In these roles, she worked closely with universities in the UK and beyond, assisting them in accessing EU funding and defining their strategies for European engagement. With a background in linguistics, prior to joining UKRO, Crowfoot taught and researched at several UK universities, and was Projects Manager at the Centre for Research and Policy in Disability at Coventry University.

“Amanda Crowfoot brings extensive experience in all of the domains desired in the Secretary General of EUA,” said EUA President Michael Murphy. “She has a deep practical knowledge of leading a diverse, European membership organisation. Her leadership role in Science Europe and earlier in the UK Research Office demanded extensive engagement with the university sector, while 15 years based in Brussels interfacing with EU agencies ensure that she is well equipped to influence European public policy. She knows and is well known by EUA - and is a worthy successor to our outstanding, founding Secretary General, Lesley Wilson.”

Crowfoot will take office on 6 January 2020. Reporting to EUA’s President and Board, she will co-develop and implement the Association’s strategic plan and serve as an ambassador, presenting a collective vision of strong universities in Europe. Crowfoot will lead a team of 40 staff across offices in Brussels and Geneva and oversee a €5 million operating budget.

Lesley Wilson has served as EUA Secretary General since 2002. She built a highly qualified team of experts in higher education and research, profoundly believing in Europe and the power of European higher education to bring people together. Her legacy notably includes the Association’s continued presence in the Bologna Process since its beginning, as well as engagement in EU research programmes.

This communication was first published 5 November 2019 by the European University Association.