Global alliances
LSE participates in several valuable alliances with other universities. These groups undertake joint educational and research initiatives, create international opportunities for our students and staff, and they allow us to work with peer institutions on topics of mutual interest.
For more detailed information, read the sections below.
CIVICA: The European University of Social Sciences
The University was selected in 2019 by the European Commission as one of the pilot European Universities Alliances, funded under the Erasmus+ program. The pilot phase of the alliance was successfully completed in September 2022, and the second phase of CIVICA began in October 2022 with a mandate for an additional four years. LSE is a founding member of the alliance.
CIVICA combines teaching, research and innovation to mobilise and share knowledge as a public good and to facilitate civic responsibility in Europe and beyond. It seeks to give voice to European social sciences in the world, and aims to be the 'European Research University of Social Sciences' offering impactful and policy-relevant research.
For a comprehensive list of member institutions and alliance activities, visit our dedicated page and to remain informed sign up to receive updates via the CIVICA's newsletter.
U7+ Alliance
The U7+ Alliance is an international alliance of university presidents who engage both in discussion and in concrete action by making commitments that universities may take to address the most pressing global challenges in a multilateral context. It is the very first alliance of university presidents aimed at structuring and advancing their role as global actors across the multilateral agenda.
For information on our partners and commitments, see this page.
The Digital Intelligence International Development Education Alliance (DI‑IDEA)
The Digital Intelligence International Development Education Alliance (DI‑IDEA) is a global partnership of leading universities, established in 2023 and led by Peking University, to advance collaboration on digital and AI‑enabled transformation in higher education. As a member of the alliance, LSE works with international partners to explore new approaches to teaching, research, and governance in the digital intelligence era. Through joint initiatives, conferences, and knowledge‑sharing activities, DI‑IDEA provides a platform for universities to address shared global challenges, promote innovation in education, and contribute to policy and practice in an increasingly technology‑driven world. Find out more.
Read about the Global Approaches to Generative AI in Higher Education conference co-hosted in April by the Eden Centre.
Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies (GASUS)
The Global Alliance on Sustainable Urban Societies (GASUS) is an international partnership of leading universities dedicated to advancing research and collaboration on sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities. Launched in 2025, the alliance brings together academic institutions, policymakers, and urban practitioners to address some of the most pressing challenges facing urban areas worldwide, from climate change and economic transformation to public health and inequality. As one of the founding members through its Department of Geography and Environment, LSE works with global partners to develop innovative, people‑centred approaches to urban research and policy. Through joint projects, events, and knowledge exchange, GASUS provides a platform to generate actionable insights and support the development of more sustainable urban societies.