In 2025, Matej Bel University established a new University Center for Community Partnerships called EMB Engage. This center will serve as a platform for connecting staff and students with partners in external communities with the aim of mutual cooperation in addressing social challenges. Its goal is to support the integration of community engagement in research, education, third mission, and international cooperation at UMB, build the capacities of individual actors in the field of community engagement,  develop volunteer initiatives, and create space for the exchange of experiences and ideas that will bring concrete benefits to the local community.

At UMB, we perceive community engagement as a process in which our university carries out joint activities aimed at addressing social challenges with external communities in a mutually beneficial manner. Community engagement activities can be carried out by university staff or students as part of teaching and research, as part of joint projects and initiatives, or as part of university management and administration.

We see community partnerships as mutually beneficial, long-term and sustainable relationship between the university and various communities, focused on jointly addressing social challenges, improving quality of life and strengthening civic values, thereby fulfilling our university's social responsibility and bringing about a positive social impact. Community partners can be institutions and organizations within public administration and local government, the business and non-profit sectors, and civil society at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

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