The European Alliance UNITA Stimulates Community Development Through “Matching Events”
This innovative format, inspired by traditional speed dating, enables participants to meet quickly and effectively around specific themes. Le dernier matching event « recherche » a été organisé par l’Université Savoie Mont Blanc les 05 et 06 novembre derniers sur la thématique des énergies vertes. Il a réuni environ 50 chercheurs issus des 12 universités, membres de l’Alliance UNITA. Chaque participant a pu se présenter et rencontrer des collègues de l’alliance pour échanger autour de leurs activités propres et idées de projets collaboratifs. Ces séances de matching ont été complétées par des travaux en groupe autour de projets collaboratifs à l’échelle de l’alliance. UNITA soutient par ces événements la recherche et l’innovation en Savoie et Haute-Savoie sur six domaines clef pour le développement territorial : les énergies vertes, l’économie circulaire et l’environnement, le patrimoine culturel, la santé globale, la transformation digitale et les sociétés inclusives. Pourquoi un tel format ? Les défis de la recherche moderne nécessitent des approches interdisciplinaires et transnationales. Le “speed dating des chercheurs” est une réponse pratique et dynamique à ce besoin, facilitant les échanges rapides et directs entre experts de différents domaines et cultures académiques. En seulement deux jours, ces rencontres peuvent aboutir à la formation de groupe de travail « transuniversitaires » et transdisciplinaires, qui seront soutenus par des appels à projets spécifiques et des subventions d’amorçage. Un levier pour l’intégration européenne en recherche. Ce type d’événement s’inscrit dans la stratégie de construction d’une communauté de chercheurs européens capable de répondre aux grands enjeux de demain. Grâce à ces rencontres, les chercheurs peuvent non seulement développer des projets collaboratifs, mais aussi poser les bases d’une intégration plus profonde entre les universités partenaires, tout en stimulant l’innovation à travers des échanges enrichissants.
International curricula through UNITA: two double degree agreements between the Universities of Turin and Timisoara
On Tuesday, December 3 at 12 p.m. the University of Turin hosted a signing ceremony for two agreements on double degree in Pscychology and Law between the University of Turin and the Universitatea de Vest din Timisoara (UVT), in the presence of the consul general of Romania in Turin. The cooperation was developed in the framework of the Internationalization of curricula through UNITA event, held in Turin in March and November 2023. Martedì 3 dicembre, alle ore 12 nel Palazzo del Rettorato dell’Università di Torino, si è tenuta la cerimonia di firma dell’accordo sui doppi titoli accademici tra l’Università di Torino e l’Universitatea de Vest din Timisoara (UVT), in Romania. Sono intervenuti: Stefano Geuna, Rettore dell’Università di Torino e Cosmin Dumitrescu, Console Generale di Romania a Torino. L’accordo coinvolge i Dipartimenti di Giurisprudenza e Psicologia. L’obiettivo, come previsto dal Piano Strategico 2021 – 2026 e dall’art 6 dello Statuto dell’Università di Torino, è potenziare l’internazionalizzazione dell’Ateneo, favorendo con specifici provvedimenti e attraverso l’individuazione di idonee risorse finanziarie la possibilità degli studenti di partecipare ai programmi di mobilità internazionale. L’accordo a mobilità strutturata con rilascio del doppio titolo in Giurisprudenza tra l’Università di Torino e l’Università di Timisoara durerà cinque anni, a partire dall’a.a. 2024/2025. Il percorso permetterà l’ottenimento di quattro titoli: Global Law and Transnational Studies (L-14) e European Legal Studies (LM-90) erogati dall’Università di Torino; Drept European și Internațional / European and International Law e Master in European Union Law, erogati dall’Università di Timisoara. Ogni anno 10 studenti UniTo e 10 studenti UVT potranno essere selezionati per partecipare al programma, che consentirà di trascorrere due dei cinque anni di studio all’estero. Lo scopo principale è fornire un percorso formativo che renda gli studenti competitivi sia a livello nazionale (italiano e rumeno) sia nel contesto internazionale. Un focus specifico sarà infatti dedicato a tematiche europee e transnazionali. Il percorso di studio internazionale in Psicologia è previsto per due anni, a partire dall’a.a. 2024/2025, da attuarsi tramite un programma di mobilità strutturata incoming e outgoing, nell’ambito del corso italiano volto al rilascio del titolo di laurea magistrale in Scienze del Corpo e della Mente (LM-51) e del corso rumeno volto al rilascio del titolo di Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Al programma parteciperanno due studenti provenienti dall’Università di Torino e due studenti provenienti dall’Università di Timisoara. Gli studenti di Torino trascorreranno un anno a Timisoara, mentre gli studenti di Timisoara trascorreranno un anno a Torino. Il percorso di studio, oltre al rilascio del titolo di laurea magistrale in Scienze del Corpo e della Mente, è volto all’ottenimento della licenza professionale di Psicologo in Italia. Il corso rumeno invece prepara ai seguenti sbocchi professionali: psicologo e psicologo clinico, oltre alla possibilità di iscriversi ad un programma di educazione di terzo livello (PhD, master di III livello, ecc). Read the full article: https://www.otto.unito.it/it/articoli/doppi-titoli-accademici-accordo-tra-le-universita-di-torino-e-timisoara
Green Day Event
On December 11th, on the occasion of International Mountain Day, the UNITA Universitas Montium Alliance organizes the GREEN DAY initiative, an event that will involve all the universities of the Alliance to bring their communities closer to UNITA’s actions in the field of sustainable development. In particular, it aims to promote awareness of the efforts of universities to improve their ecological footprint and spread the culture of sustainability. Each university will approach the theme with different workshops and seminars on sustainability in various fields. During this day, at the specific time (14:00 PT | 15:00 FR/IT/SP/CH | 16:00 RO), there will be a Talk on “Water Mountains” with Prof. Pedro Gabriel de Almeida, a common activity for all the universities, which will connect via Zoom to attend this conference. At the end of the event, a QR code will be available to participate in a quiz with questions on the theme. Anyone who answers all questions correctly will win a UNITA kit provided by the UNITA Office of their university. The quiz will be available until 23:59 CET.
Energypolis Campus Visit
On November 7, 2024, HES-SO Valais-Wallis welcomed researchers from the UNITA alliance and HES-SO for a visit to the Energypolis Campus, one of the 28 campuses of the HES-SO, in Sion, Switzerland. On November 7, 2024, researchers from HES-SO and the UNITA alliance gathered at the Energypolis campus in Sion for a day filled with discoveries and scientific exchanges focused on renewable energy and sustainable technologies. This campus, renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, provided participants with the opportunity to explore collaborative projects and consider pathways for future partnerships. The day began with a presentation of the School of Engineering (HEI), followed by a guided tour of the Energy Neighborhood Platform. Directly integrated into the building’s energy solution, this platform offers a real-scale view of research facilities dedicated to optimizing energy consumption. Participants then explored the Hydro Lab, a testing hall filled with pipelines where electricity production turbines are assessed. This visit highlighted research on material fatigue and cavitation, both crucial for improving energy efficiency. The tour continued with the presentation of Fabulle. This association, integrated within the school, includes a living lab focused on energy and represents a model of open innovation where companies and users collaborate to develop sustainable solutions. The day concluded with a visit to the Gridlab, a laboratory dedicated to electrical grids where energy distribution infrastructures are tested. The session showcased how these installations address tomorrow’s energy challenges. This visit strengthened ties between researchers from HES-SO and the UNITA alliance, while offering an overview of the cutting-edge initiatives and research at the Energypolis campus aimed at a sustainable energy future.
University of Beira Interior strengthens relations with entities in the State of Minas Gerais
On November 6th, UBI visited the UFMG Directorate of International Relations, where it was received by Professor Aziz Saliba, director of International Relations, and colleagues Marco Túlio de Mello and Andressa de Mello. During this visit, the second of this year – the first was in Toulouse at the EAIE Conference – we had the opportunity to discuss new forms of collaboration between UBI and UFMG, with the aim of going beyond the already existing student mobility. The renewal of the generic protocol between the two institutions was also signed. These types of encounters are crucial to keep the connection between Institutions of Alliance and their Geminae Partners.
RE-Unita : closing chapter for the first edition of the mentoring program for female faculty at USMB!
On January 16, the Université Savoie Mont-Blanc (USMB) launched its first mentoring program for female faculty members in partnership with the Re-UNITA project, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 program. Avec pour objectif de souligner l’importance pour l’université d’œuvrer pour l’égalité professionnelle entre les femmes et les hommes, ce sont Mareva Sabatier, Vice-Présidente Recherche, et Philippe Briand, Vice-Président du Conseil d’Administration, qui ont amorcés cette première édition. Ils ont tenu à rappeler la nécessité pour chacun et chacune d’avoir la possibilité de faire des choix de carrière éclairés, tout en prenant en compte les barrières qui peuvent encore subsister pour les femmes. Réparties en 6 binômes, les 12 femmes qui ont pris part à ce programme ont pu se rencontrer en autonomie durant 10 mois, chaque mentorée récemment arrivée dans l’institution ayant ainsi pu profiter de l’expérience et des conseils de sa mentore, plus expérimentée. Ces quelques mois ont également été ponctués de plusieurs temps forts : deux ateliers sur la sensibilisation à l’affirmation de soi et aux stéréotypes de genre, ainsi qu’un bilan à mi-parcours avec un atelier de co-développement. Le programme de mentorat a été clôturé le 12 novembre dernier sur le campus du Bourget-du-Lac. L’occasion de tirer le bilan de cette première édition, très positif pour toutes les participantes. Toutes ont souligné la qualité des relations entretenues, tant au sein des binômes que dans le groupe, permettant d’avancer sur des questions et des objectifs précis. Le partage d’expérience, aussi riche qu’intéressant, a été fortement apprécié, et nul doute que la dynamique et le réseau créés seront des atouts pour la carrière et le bien-être de chacune des participantes. Vous pouvez retrouver ici les témoignages de Sabrina et Sandra de l’USMB, qui ont partagé cette première édition du programme de mentorat ensemble.
UNITA-Geminae News from Brazil
Held from November 12 to 14, 2024, at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, the event was organized by UFMG with support from other federal universities in Minas Gerais, particularly the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), which proposed and sponsored UNITA’s participation. This fall, Brazil provided an exciting opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration as UNITA participated in the 40th Brazilian National Forum of Vice-Presidents and Directors of Research and Graduate Studies of Brazilian Universities (ENPROP; https://www.ufmg.br/enprop/). The forum brings together institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education’s CAPES agency (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). The forum’s theme, “Asymmetries, Inequalities & Complementarities,” aligned seamlessly with UNITA’s mission. This synergy was particularly evident during the panel discussion, “Regional Asymmetries: Deconstructing Stereotypes and Promoting Complementarity in Postgraduate Studies.” The panel coincided with CAPES’ upcoming initiative to foster national university alliances for interinstitutional funding under the soon-to-be-launched CAPES Global Program for the internationalization of Brazilian universities—an alleged upgraded and turbocharged version of the previous CAPES PrInt Program. With over 220 representatives from the 289 affiliated higher education institutions engaged in research and postgraduate studies, the forum offered a remarkable platform, and UNITA made the most of it. Representing UNITA was Prof. María Villarroya Gaudó of the University of Zaragoza (UniZar). Her visit began at UFV, where she shared her experiences with students, staff, and faculty, showcasing the collaborative potential of UNITA and UniZar. This lively day of discussions and exploration also coincided with the release of CAPES’ international postgraduate mobility call, ensuring a timely and impactful dialogue. Prof. Villarroya then joined the ENPROP discussions in Belo Horizonte, where she highlighted UNITA’s efforts to address regional asymmetries and foster complementarities. Her presentation, combined with active participation in four discussion groups, significantly enriched the forum’s outcomes. The enthusiasm for collaboration extended into informal exchanges, where participants eagerly practiced their Spanish—or the hybrid “Portunhol” (or “Portuñol”)—showcasing the spirit of intercomprehension. These interactions amplified the event’s impact, drawing attention from institutions across Brazil, including federal, state, non-profit, and private universities, and further solidifying UNITA’s reputation as a global benchmark for innovative alliances. The collaboration also strengthened ties with UNITA’s Geminae partners, particularly in Brazil. The National Directory of the Brazilian Forum of Vice-Presidents and Directors of Research and Graduate Studies (DN-FOPROP), along with UFV’s Faculty of Research and Graduate Studies and International Office, expressed heartfelt gratitude to UNITA for its support. They also commended Prof. Villarroya and UniZar for their dedication and meaningful contributions. This collaboration promises to yield fruitful outcomes in the near future!
UBI a pioneer in the European Student Card
The University of Beira Interior (UBI) is the first portuguese academy to automatically and digitally issue an identification card that is intended to be recognized throughout Europe. UBI will shared its experience in Lisbon. A Universidade da Beira Interior (UBI) é a primeira academia nacional a emitir, de forma consistente, o Cartão de Estudante Europeu (ESC), iniciativa que facilita a identificação do estatuto universitário fora de Portugal. Este foi um dos motivos do convite para partilhar esta boa prática no “European Student Card Initiative Day”, que decorreu em Lisboa, no Instituto Superior Técnico. A emissão do ESC para os estudantes da UBI é feita no momento da matrícula/inscrição, após pedido de consentimento, e começou a ser aplicada no âmbito de uma iniciativa da aliança UNITA – Universitas Montium, que a UBI integra. A ideia do ESC é funcionar como um “passaporte” europeu que é reconhecido nos países participantes, garantindo autenticidade dos dados, reduzindo fraudes e facilitando o processo para ambas as partes, sem ser necessário emitir um novo cartão. Com a sua implementação geral, espera-se que os estudantes passem a beneficiar de vantagens, em especial durante a participação em programas de intercâmbio como o Erasmus+. Entre os benefícios, estão os descontos, em alimentação, por exemplo, o acesso a serviços em estabelecimentos fora das instalações académicas, ou espaços reservados no campus universitário, como bibliotecas ou espaços desportivos. “O Cartão Europeu de Estudante é uma iniciativa essencial para melhorar a experiência de mobilidade estudantil na Europa, promovendo uma rede de apoio e serviços mais inclusiva e eficiente para estudantes e instituições”, sintetiza a Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Educação e Formação. Esta quinta-feira, no “European Student Card Iniciative Day”, a UBI participa na mesa-redonda “Implementar e Potenciar a ESCI nas IES”, no “Debate aberto sobre o Presente e o Futuro da ESCI | Q&A” e dinamiza ainda o “Workshop 2: ESC”, pelo pioneirismo nacional na emissão do Cartão Europeu. O engenheiro Sérgio Nunes, da Área de Sistemas e Desenvolvimento dos Serviços de Informática da Universidade, é quem vai intervir nestes momentos. A atividade decorre ao longo de todo o dia e conta com a participação de Joaquim Mourato (Diretor-Geral do Ensino Superior), Vanessa Debiais-Sainton (Head of Higher Education Unit, European Commission – Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture) e Cristina Perdigão (Diretora da Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Educação e Formação), entre outros.
Signature of two agreements for R&I activities in UNITA
In Brescia, during the UNITA Governance Board held on the 28th and 29th of October 2024, two important agremeents have been signed: the PhD cotutelles protocol , and the shared infrastructures agreement. Firsly signed in 2022, these two agreements have been enlarged to the new partners, to demonstrate the continuous commitment of our institutions in developing strong collaborations in PhD co-tutelles and the sharing of research resources and infrastructures. A l’occasion des réunions rassemblant l’ensemble des recteurs de l’Alliance UNITA, les recteurs ont pu signer ces deux accords, symbolisant l’engagement commun vers une intégration croissante des activités de recherche et d’innovation au sein de l’Alliance UNITA. Accord de cotutelles de thèses En 2022, un premier protocole de cotutelles de thèse au sein d’UNITA avait été signé par les six partenaires historiques, établissant un cadre commun pour la mise en œuvre de cotutelles de thèse au sein de nos universités. Ce document a été construit et réfléchi par le réseau des directeurs d’école doctorale UNITA, un groupe de travail ad hoc créé afin de construire un véritable réseau des écoles doctorales UNITA, à même de partager l’ensemble des sujets traités par ces services. Grâce à ce protocole, 52 thèses en cotutelle ont pu bénéficier d’un accompagnement et d’un suivi précis et adapté, dans tous les domaines de recherche couverts par nos établissements. Aussi, nous pouvons mentionner que ce travail de cadre des thèses en cotutelles a pu mener à l’obtention d’un financement Horizon Europe MSCA-COFUND, permettant le recrutement et le financement de 42 cotutelles de thèse au sein d’UNITA et dans le domaine du patrimoine culturel. Nous partageons le souhait de prolonger et de renforcer ces thèses en cotutelle UNITA, dispositif participant à la création d’une communité UNITA dédiée à la recherche dynamique et tournée vers l’avenir. Accord sur le partage d’infrastructures En 2022, dans le cadre du projet Re-UNITA, les six partenaires historiques UNITA s’étaient engagés à rendre accessibles leurs infrastructures de recherche aux autres établissements de l’Alliance, grâce à ce document de cadrage. En Octobre 2024, cet accord a été ouvert aux nouveaux partenaires de l’Alliance, rappelant les principales conditions de partage d’infrastructures et de ressources. Nos institutions disposent de ressources et d’infrastructures de recherche pointues, à même de permettre à nos chercheurs à contribuer à l’excellence de la recherche au sein de l’espace européen. Grâce à l’Alliance UNITA, nos établissements ont la possibilité de mutualiser ces équipements, afin de permettre à notre communauté de recherche de disposer de davantage de ressources pour leurs activités de recherche. En 2025, un appel à financement sera diffusé au sein de l’Alliance UNITA, afin de soutenir le partage d’infrastructures de recherche, et de contribuer à la mise en relation entre différentes équipes de recherche.
43 researchers met in Pau for the Cultural heritage matching event
On the 17th and 18th of October, UPPA hosted the Cultural heritage matching event dedicated to “Green Heritage : Rethinking Rural Areas in the 21st Century”. Plenary sessions and face-to-face meetings have been key opportunities to foster the emergence of new collaborative projects in our Alliance! Cet événement, dédié à la rencontre entre enseignants-chercheurs intéressés par cette thématique et issus de disciplines très variées, avait pour objectif d’encourager les rencontres et l’émergence de nouveaux projets collaboratifs. La première matinée a permis d’accueillir les participants et de présenter les objectifs du hub Patrimoine culturel, le projet CHORAL et d’assister à la conférence inaugurale de M. Carlos Labarta, professeur d’architecture à l’Université de Saragosse. Durant l’après-midi, les enseignants-chercheurs ont pu présenter leurs activités de recherche en 90 secondes, afin de proposer un premier aperçu de leur périmètre de recherche. Ensuite, 8 sessions de rencontres bilatérales ont permis aux enseignants-chercheurs d’échanger et d’explorer les pistes de collaborations, sur la base de leurs intérêts communs. Enfin, l’après-midi du vendredi 18 octobre était consacré à la présentation des opportunités de financement proposées par l’alliance UNITA, et notamment les starting grants. Ces « matching events » constituent un dispositif phare afin d’encourager les collaborations de recherche au sein de l’alliance UNITA. D’ici à juin 2025, deux événements de ce type seront organisés pour chaque hub dans les différentes universités UNITA. Les enseignants-chercheurs de l’UPPA seront invités à y participer prochainement.