Research
Conducting and compiling relevant studies.
About ECVA
Established in 2022, the European Character and Virtue Association offers a forum for promoting research, training and networking in the field of character education. We bring together educational institutions in Europe and scholars from around the world, providing unrivalled opportunities for members to share best practices and shape European policies affecting higher education and research.
Research →
Promoting character education research
Networking
Facilitating academic networking
Training
Providing training opportunities
Policy
Shaping European education policies
ECVA's Mission
ECVA’s mission is multifaceted, focusing on promoting character virtues education, facilitating engagement among members, and influencing policy decisions. We strive to enhance the visibility of European universities globally in the field of character education and virtues.
1. Engagement Platform
Providing a platform for member organisations to engage and promote shared commitment to character virtues in Europe
2. Information Channel
Facilitating the sharing of research, ideas, and policy proposals between members and stakeholders
3. Global Visibility
Enhancing the visibility of European universities in character and virtues education worldwide
4. Policy Influence
Informing members about policy debates impacting character development and influencing key decision-makers
Meet The Team
President:
Prof. Dr. James Arthur
Former Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham
Secretary:
Prof. Dr. Tom Harrison
Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham
Vice President:
Prof. Dr. Verónica Fernández
Director of the Virtue and Values Education Centre,
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Treasurer:
Prof. Dr. Roland Bernhard
Professor of Education, Private University College of Teacher Education of Christian Churches Austria
Annual Conferences
The European Character and Virtue Association holds annual conferences in different parts of Europe each year. These conferences last a few days and provide a platform to hear and discuss academic papers on aspects of character and virtues. It’s an excellent opportunity for members to engage in mutual learning and share best practices.
Previous Conferences
Explore past conferences to see previous themes and schedules. By viewing topics and agendas from previous years, you can get a sense of what to expect.
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Call for Papers
Invitation for academic submissions.
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Conference
Presentations and discussions.
3
Networking
Opportunities for collaboration.
4
Publication
Selected papers published.
Character Education in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities
by
The book aims to highlight the distinct challenges and opportunities that character education faces across several European countries, including Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain. By examining character education landscapes in these diverse contexts, this work provides insights into specific hurdles and potential avenues for advancement in promoting character development and positive impact across the region and beyond.
Flourishing through character: perspectives on virtue, life skills, and competencies in 21st century education
by
The book explores one of the most pressing questions in contemporary education: what is education ultimately for? Bringing together perspectives from philosophy, psychology, pedagogy, theology, and policy, this volume argues that education cannot be reduced to performance, skills, or adaptation alone, but must be oriented toward human flourishing. Across chapters on virtue, moral development, life skills, competencies, and institutional practice, the book shows how character provides an integrative framework for relating knowledge, values, judgement, and action. Moving from philosophical and anthropological foundations to concrete educational and policy applications, it offers a rigorous and internationally informed account of how schools and universities can form not only competent individuals, but flourishing persons capable of living well with and for others in a complex world.
Membership Structure
ECVA is a membership organisation comprising Academic Networks, Practitioner Associations, Disciplinary Groups, and Universities. This diverse membership ensures a rich exchange of ideas and practices in character education across Europe.
Academic Networks
Connecting researchers across institutions.
Practitioner Associations
Bridging theory and practice in education.
Universities
Fostering character education in higher learning.
Policy Engagement
ECVA actively engages with policymakers and practitioners to promote character and virtue education. We provide a channel for sharing information, research, ideas, and policy proposals between our member organisations and key stakeholders.
1
2
Analysis
Interpreting findings for policy implications.
3
Consultation
Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.
4
Advocacy
Promoting evidence-based policy changes.
International Connections
While focused on Europe, ECVA seeks to reinforce connections with the wider international world of character virtue education. We collaborate with global partners to share best practices and promote character education worldwide.
Global Character Alliance
ECVA is proud to be a founding member of the Global Character Alliance (GCA), a global network committed to advancing character education worldwide. Through this partnership, we contribute to strengthening international collaboration, sharing knowledge and promoting the development of character across educational contexts.
European Collaborators
European Journal of Character and Virtues
ECVA publishes the European Journal of Character and Virtues, a key platform for disseminating research and best practices in character education. This journal serves as a vital resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers interested in character and virtue education.
Peer-Reviewed
Ensuring high-quality academic content
Open Access
Making research widely accessible
Interdisciplinary
Covering various aspects of character education
Policy Impact
Informing educational policy decisions
Join ECVA
Become part of the European Character and Virtues Association and contribute to the advancement of character education in Europe. Membership offers opportunities for networking, research collaboration, and influencing policy decisions.
Membership will be included with conference tickets.