EU-CONEXUS Joint Master in Marine Biotechnology Becomes one of the first to receive the Joint European Degree Label

Recognition of a Joint European Programme

The Joint European Degree Label is awarded to transnational programmes delivered by higher education institutions in at least two EU Member States or EEA EFTA countries.

Programmes receiving the label must meet common European criteria in areas including joint governance, academic integration, mobility, multilingualism, sustainability, digital learning and shared European values.

The label shows that students are not simply spending part of their studies abroad. They are following a programme jointly designed, governed and delivered by several European universities.

It also makes the quality and European character of these programmes more visible to students, graduates, employers and higher education institutions. The label is considered an important step towards the possible future development of a Joint European Degree.

The EU-CONEXUS programme was assessed by AQU Catalunya in cooperation with UNIBASQ Quality Agency. AQU Catalunya was also recognised at the Brussels event as the first quality assurance agency to award the label.

A European learning experience in Marine Biotechnology

The EU-CONEXUS Joint Master in Marine Biotechnology prepares graduates for research and professional careers in a field connecting marine science, biotechnology, innovation and the sustainable use of biological resources.

Students study at several European universities and choose from four specialisation tracks:

Innovative Bioproducts for Future, Blue Biomass, Marine Biorefinery and Aquaculture Biotechnology.

The curriculum covers applications in health, cosmetics, agri-food, aquaculture and the sustainable use of marine bioresources. Students also work with researchers and professionals outside academia, gaining insight into how scientific knowledge can be translated into products, services and practical solutions.

For graduates, the label provides recognition of the international and interdisciplinary experience at the heart of the programme. Students completing the programme in 2026 will be the first graduates to receive certificates bearing the Joint European Degree Label.

Emilie Gober, a graduate of the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master in Marine Biotechnology, said:

“The JMPMB gave us the opportunity to connect with relevant industry partners and learn together in an international environment. The European Degree Label is an excellent acknowledgement of our diverse experiences, and as students, we are honoured to graduate under it.”

Professor Jerónimo Chirivella Martorell, Chair of the Master’s Programme Board, said:

“Receiving the Joint European Degree Label is a strong recognition of the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master in Marine Biotechnology and of the European cooperation behind it. It confirms that the programme offers students high-quality international education and prepares graduates with the skills needed in the growing blue biotechnology sector.”

European Commission Highlights the Role of Joint Education

The Brussels ceremony brought together representatives of the European Commission, university leaders, programme coordinators, quality assurance agencies and graduates.

The event opened with remarks by Diana Jablonska, Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. Pia Ahrenkilde, Director-General of DG EAC, delivered the keynote address and presented the awards to the recognised programmes.

Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, highlighted the wider European significance of joint education:

“Europe’s future competitiveness depends on our ability to educate talented graduates who can work across disciplines, sectors and borders. The programmes recognised today show how universities are joining forces to prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists, innovators and leaders that Europe needs.”

€4.6 million for the programme’s next Stage

The recognition comes as the EU-CONEXUS Joint Master in Marine Biotechnology prepares for its next implementation period.

The programme has secured €4.6 million under the 2026 Erasmus+ Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters call. This is the second consecutive Erasmus Mundus grant awarded to the programme.

The funding will support scholarships for students from Europe and beyond, the continued delivery of the joint curriculum and closer cooperation with researchers, industry experts and organisations working in marine biotechnology and the blue bioeconomy.