Who We Are
HERMES – HIGHER EDUCATION NETWORK SINCE 1997
The HERMES network, established in November 1997 by the École de Management Strasbourg (formerly IECS) of the Robert Schuman University, is an esteemed alliance of globally oriented universities. With the signing of the HERMES Charter on March 31, 2000, at the European Parliament, we cemented our commitment to fostering academic collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Today, we connect over 20 leading institutions worldwide, empowering students, researchers, and faculty through education and exchange.
What We Do
HERMES brings together academic institutions to create meaningful opportunities for students, researchers, and educators. Our core activities include:
- International Exchange Programs: Facilitating mobility for students and faculty to promote cultural exchange and collaborative learning.
- Joint and Double-Degree Programs: Offering innovative degree programs that combine the strengths of partner institutions, including dual degrees at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
- PhD and Research Workshops: Hosting workshops to support early-career researchers and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Student Online Workshops: Delivering virtual sessions on cutting-edge topics such as sustainability, business in emerging markets, and digital transformation.
- Research Funding and Grants: Providing seed grants and financial support for collaborative projects across institutions.
- Best Practices and Added Value Initiatives: Sharing innovative teaching methods, administrative strategies, and curricular developments among members.
- Green and Sustainable Initiatives: Encouraging eco-friendly practices such as reducing travel through online events and promoting sustainable management topics.
Our Milestones
- 1997: Formation of the HERMES network to strengthen global academic ties.
- 2000: Signing of the HERMES Charter at the European Parliament.
- 2015: Expansion into COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) programs, leveraging digital tools for global learning.
- 2022: Celebration of our 25th anniversary with expanded focus on sustainability and digital innovation.
- 2024: Introduction of the HERMES Research Seed Grant and increased support for PhD mobility.
Signature Events
Our General Assembly is the centerpiece of the HERMES calendar. Hosted each year by a partner institution, it features academic discussions, strategic planning sessions, and cultural exchange opportunities. Recent topics include digital innovation in education, sustainable business practices, and cross-border collaborations.
In addition to the GA, we regularly organize:
- PhD Workshops to mentor young researchers in areas like business analytics, data science, and entrepreneurship.
- Networking Events for faculty and students, fostering lasting academic and professional relationships.
- Strategic Board and Working Group Meetings to advance our shared goals.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to shaping the future of global education by building bridges across cultures and disciplines. Our vision is to create an inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable academic ecosystem where knowledge transcends boundaries.
Member Benefits
Being part of the HERMES network provides:
- Access to exclusive exchange and mobility programs.
- Opportunities to participate in collaborative research and teaching.
- Networking with leading academics and institutions globally.
- Recognition through co-branded programs, including double degrees and joint projects.
Join Us
HERMES is always seeking dynamic and innovative partners to expand our network. If your institution is interested in becoming a member or collaborating with us, we invite you to connect and explore the possibilities.
TESTIMONIALS
Current employment: PhD Student in Statistics at Bocconi University in Milan
As a double degree student from University of Hohenheim (Germany), I completed my studies in Pavia in academic year 2016/2017. I did not only make some good friends during my stay, I also built an international network with students and professionals from other countries. The study experience in Pavia improved my knowledge in several fields but especially it enhanced and deepened my knowledge and interest in statistics. Thus, I decided to start working as Data scientist in a Consulting Company in Munich. After some time, I got the opportunity to start the PhD-Program in Statistics at Bocconi University in Milan. So, in September 2017 I moved back to Italy and started my studies at Bocconi and found an international as well as stimulating environment.
During my experience at the University of Hohenheim I attended the International Business and Economics course. I had the fantastic opportunity to broaden my horizons, not only by meeting boys and girls from every corner of the world, but also by studying fascinating subjects which were totally new to me. That fantastic experience, along with a lot of passion and desire to learn, has led me to work in the most revolutionary and promising field of recent years: Machine Learning.
Two years ago I moved to Tuebingen, in Germany, to complete my studies at the Eberhard Karls Universität. I attended the Master in European Economics and I consider the experience as the best one of my life. I finally had the possibility to study what I had ever desired to learn, and the whole adventure was amazing, in all respects: the courses I attended, the university, the town, the people I met and all the difficult and new things I had to face. All of them made me grow and and made me better. I strongly recommend to everyone to get outside of its own confort zone. I’m currently working as financial analyst for MarketInsight
It was amazing. Definitely, I think students need to experience something like the Double Degree program, once in their career. I’ve worked hard in Tübingen (Germany), but in the end I have nothing but good memories of that time.
I believe it was the ideal completion of my study program. I was enrolled in the Industrial Organization and Market Strategies course (IOMS – MEFI), and it was during the experience in Germany that I found out my specialization. Now, I work as a tax advisor. I don’t think it would have been possible without that amazing year.
Hi! I’m Carlotta from Genova. Currently, I am working as an “ICT Governance specialist” in an Italian multi-utilities company, but three years ago, I attended the MIBE course In Pavia and spent my second year, in Tubingen, attending the European Management course within the Double Degree Programm.
The difficulties of new uni system, friends from all over the world, living in a foreign country, speaking German and English daily, new classes and many project works. A never-ending thesis and lot of parties and laughs. This are some pieces of an amazing experience, I would live again a thousand times.