Governance Board meeting at University of Brescia
From October 28th to 29th the University of Brescia had the pleasure to host the Governance Board of UNITA. The University of Brescia hosted the Governance Board of UNITA. Two-day meeting in which Rectors, Vice-Rectors, faculty and staff of the alliance Universities discussed activities and next steps, drafting a shared strategic plan. An occasion that involved 60 people from 12 univerisites to enhance the quality and competitiveness of European higher education throught educational and scientific cooperation and student, faculty and staff mobility.
Joint research and mobility of students, faculty and staff: the President of the University of Antananarivo and the General Director of the Malagasy Ministry of HE and Research visiting Turin
The delegation from the University of Antananarivo was welcomed to the Rector’s Office on Oct. 9 by Rector Stefano Geuna. Diversi i temi trattati, ma soprattutto la volontà di rafforzare le collaborazioni già esistenti con i dipartimenti di UniTO e di svilupparne di nuove, nell’ambito del dottorato SUSTNET e del Dottorato Internazionale dell’Oceano Indiano in corso di creazione nell’ambito del progetto DOCET4AFRICA (ERASMUS+ KA2 CBHE, Contract 101083139). In quest’ottica, dopo la visita, il Rettore dell’Università di Antananarivo, il Direttore Generale della Ricerca Scientifica del Ministero dell’Insegnamento Superiore e della Ricerca (MESUPRES) e i tecnici amministrativi della delegazione malgascia hanno proseguito i lavori con i docenti del Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi, del Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari e con i colleghi dell’Ufficio Internazionalizzazione del Polo di Scienze della Natura e del Polo di Agraria e Medicina Veterinaria, oltre che dell’Ufficio Dottorati. Le visite hanno permesso ai docenti dei Dipartimenti coinvolti di incontrare i colleghi malgasci e di discutere sia dell’avanzamento dei progetti attivi (DOCET4AFRICA, ERASMUS+ KA171, TNE, ecc.), sia dei dettagli di nuove collaborazioni in ambito di ricerca e mobilità di studenti, docenti e staff. L’Università di Antananarivo è uno dei principali partner del Madagascar e dell’Oceano Indiano interessati alle attività di UniTO e dell’Alleanza UNITA. Con UniTO Antananarivo ha già all’attivo accordi di mobilità internazionale con quattro Dipartimenti. UA collabora inoltre con l’Alleanza UNITA nell’ambito del progetto Geminae, un network di 30 Università non europee che condividono con le Università UNITA tematiche chiave quali l’uso delle lingue romanze, la cooperazione per il consolidamento dell’Iniziativa delle Università Europee, il coinvolgimento della comunità accademica nell’internazionalizzazione e la definizione di un modello di internazionalizzazione sostenibile e socialmente responsabile oltre che sulla costruzione di programmi internazionali all’avanguardia incentrati sugli studenti.
Re-UNITA Project launches e-book on research challenges in mountain regions
The Re-UNITA project – Research for UNITA Project will end on October 31st, but not before seeing the launch of an E-Book that portrays the results obtained in the two-day Workshops, which took place at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) last April. This event was promoted by the Re-UNITA project, which aims to promote research activities within the scope of the UNITA Alliance – Universitas Montium. The Re-UNITA Workshops consisted of presentations and round tables in the scientific areas of Circular Economy, Cultural Heritage and Renewable Energy. The activities developed were an excellent networking opportunity for researchers from partner Universities, aiming to discuss scientific development, and advances and main research challenges in each of the scientific areas. The different sessions also promoted the establishment of new collaborations and possibilities for joint responses to international calls for projects or co-supervision of theses. According to the Re-UNITA Project Coordinator, Frederic Marias: “This Workshop serves as a unique platform to start conversations, foster connections between researchers, and explore the latest advances in Re-UNITA’s research activities. Our goal is to facilitate an environment where insights transcend traditional boundaries, allowing participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative projects.” The E-book entitled “Re-UNITA Workshops – Research Challenges for Cultural Heritage, Circular Economy and Renewable Energies in rural and mountain areas” and published through UBI Edições, brings together the results of the presentations and discussions held in the three thematic Workshops, becoming available in free access to the entire academic and scientific community. As the UBI´s Vice-Rector of Research, Innovation and Development, Sílvia Socorro, highlights: “The e-book compiles the collective knowledge generated during the workshops. Includes the contributions of participants in the sessions of Part I – Presentation of research projects (8), and the topics of discussion in the Round Table sessions of Part II (16). Overall, details of ongoing projects, discussion summaries, and important messages are provided. This e-book is a valuable resource and a testament to the impactful results of the Re-UNITA project in promoting collaborative research efforts across the UNITA alliance. It provides knowledge and practical strategies that can be applied in various contexts to drive positive change, empowering our community to further develop UNITA’s research identity.”
Internationalisation of European Universities Alliances: The New Frontiers
Dr Marina Cino Pagliarello – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow, European University Institute Internationalisation is key to the European higher education strategy, with European University Alliances (EUAs) enhancing the European Education Area’s appeal. From fostering innovation to offering joint degrees, these alliances address current challenges while positioning Europe as a leader in higher education. Their strategies align with EU priorities, as outlined in the European Council conclusions (2021) and the European Strategy for Universities (2022), in boosting competitiveness, fostering global cooperation and promoting a shared European identity. A key focus is cooperation with Ukrainian institutions, supporting Ukraine’s integration into the European education space, alongside partnerships with African institutions, addressing regional challenges and supporting sustainable development. These topics were central to the discussions at the “Internationalisation of European Universities Alliances: The New Frontiers” event held on September 17 as a satellite activity of the EAIE conference in Toulouse and hosted by the Université de Toulouse and Région Occitanie. Opened by Ludovic Thilly (EC2U) and Olga Wessels (ECIU), the event provided a platform for high-level representatives from various alliances and partner countries outside the EU to engage with the European Commission and other key stakeholders on these topics. Key highlights from the main sessions During the first session, moderated by Dorothy Kelly (Arqus), the discussion explored why alliances pursue internationalisation beyond their members and how they contribute to the broader European education area. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, head of unit at DG EAC, referenced the Draghi report, emphasising the need for alliances to address skills gaps in AI, aerospace, and green technologies. She highlighted the launch of the new Union of Skills, covering higher education, vocational training, and lifelong learning, and the blueprint for a European Degree. By pooling resources, alliances can offer more efficient, relevant degrees that meet Europe’s future needs. Debiais-Sainton used the metaphor of Olympic medals, noting that while individual EU countries may fall behind global competitors, collectively, European universities can surpass them by sharing resources, equipment, and data. She also stressed the importance of private-sector partnerships and integrating institutions from the Western Balkans and Ukraine. In addition, it was particularly insightful to hear how alliances are positioned within the new policy agenda of the European Commission. Indeed, this session also aligned with the announcement that the new Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness would oversee the EUAs, thus signifying a strategic commitment to enhancing collaboration, fostering skills development, and addressing the evolving needs of higher education in Europe. As Vanessa Debiais-Sainton expressed, “We see what you are capable of, and we count on you for the future.” Carle Bonafous-Murat, permanent representative of France Universités in Brussels, addressed the strategic role of alliances in fostering international collaborations. He questioned whether internationalisation strategies should be thematic or more flexible, citing visits from Colombian and Argentine delegations exploring the topic of biodiversity in connections with European universities. While focusing on specific topics can drive solutions, it may limit alliances’ adaptability to broader trends. He also raised concerns about branding, asking if alliances should adopt a collective identity and whether institutions are willing to compromise their individual brands for a unified approach. Marie Azuelos (CIVICA) discussed how CIVICA integrates internationalisation into its central objectives, emphasising its efforts to strengthen ties with Ukrainian universities through the CIVICA for Ukraine initiative. This initiative shows how alliances can act as vehicles for informal diplomacy and co-creation, fostering solidarity in politically charged contexts. However, managing expansion while deepening partnerships poses challenges, particularly with a two-tier system of full members and international partners, complicating efforts to maintain a cohesive internationalisation strategy. Mattia Bellotti (EUTOPIA) underscored the role of shared values like academic freedom and democracy in promoting international alliances. The alliance’s Young Leaders Academy, involving partners from South Korea, Australia, and South Africa, illustrates how shared values can underpin initiatives that develop future leaders while ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds benefit equally from these programs. Yet, as alliances strive to internationalise, they must ensure that such initiatives do not unintentionally privilege institutions with more significant resources or more established global networks. John Gardiner (Ulysseus) reinforced the importance of flexibility in partnerships, particularly with non-Erasmus countries like Vietnam and Canada. The Compass Project, a three-year initiative, shows how internationalisation brings fresh perspectives to European universities but also highlights the legal and regulatory challenges requiring adaptable governance to manage various frameworks and environments. Finally, Romiță Iucu (CIVIS) underscored the potential of alliances to break down institutional barriers through innovative learning models. His discussion of the project Digitally Enhanced Mobility showcases how alliances are at the forefront of redefining education in a post-pandemic world and how alliances represent a potential “new frontier” of diplomacy. To sum up, the discussion highlighted both the potential and challenges of expanding EUAs’ global reach. Initiatives like the European Degree show promise but risk dominance by wealthier institutions. Branding may strain identities, and the debate over thematic vs. broader internationalisation raises concerns about flexibility and governance. Moderated by Karolina Ignatiuk (4EU+), the second session explored the evolving synergies between Ukrainian institutions and European university alliances, moving from crisis management to long-term cooperation. Kseniia Smyrnova (EUniWell) emphasised that Ukrainian universities are now strategic partners in joint research on topics like digitalisation and migration. “We are in an active phase of Europeanisation,” she stated, underscoring Ukraine’s role as a contributor, not just a recipient of aid. Iryna Osovska (UNITA) highlighted how the war has disrupted mobility programs, especially in rural areas. Osovska stressed the need for long-term solutions, including harmonising academic calendars, synchronising curricula, and expanding digital learning. Iryna Ivanets (EUPeace) illustrated these challenges with a video featuring Ukrainian students, providing insight into their experiences, and Jean-Marc Planeix (EPICUR) discussed efforts to formalise collaborations through joint statements and a Memoranda of Understanding in 2023, aimed at integrating Ukrainian institutions into Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. However, bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory challenges persist. The Polish NAWA Agency has provided critical funding, but long-term sustainability remains a concern. Finally, Christine Fernandez (EC2U) and Taseusz Uhl (UNIVERSEH) showcased initiatives like summer schools and staff training involving various stakeholders from cities to SMEs. These efforts reflect a vision for sustainable integration, but challenges like infrastructure gaps and educational discrepancies remain. The discussion on Ukrainian universities transitioning
Joint research and mobility of students, faculty and staff: the Federal University of Viçosa visiting Turin
Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Brazil), a partner in the UNITA Alliance’s Geminae project, is visiting the University of Turin again this year with a delegation of six professors to strengthen collaboration with the Departments of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, DiSAFA and Veterinary Medicine. La delegazione è stata accolta in Rettorato il 10 ottobre dal Rettore Stefano Geuna e dalla prof.ssa Donatella Boschi, Coordinatrice istituzionale del programma Erasmus+. Diversi i temi trattati, ma soprattutto la volontà di rafforzare le collaborazioni già esistenti con i dipartimenti di UniTO e di svilupparne di nuove. In quest’ottica, dopo la visita in Rettorato i sei docenti brasiliani hanno proseguito i lavori con i docenti del Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biologia dei Sistemi e, il giorno seguente, i Dipartimenti di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari e di Scienze Veterinarie a Grugliasco. Le visite hanno permesso ai docenti dei Dipartimenti coinvolti di incontrare i colleghi brasiliani e di discutere i dettagli di nuove collaborazioni in ambito di ricerca e mobilità di studenti, docenti e staff. L’Universidade Federal de Viçosa è uno dei principali partner brasiliani interessati alle attività di UniTO e dell’Alleanza UNITA. Con UniTO Viçosa ha già all’attivo accordi di mobilità internazionale con due Dipartimenti e un terzo è in fase di finalizzazione. UFV collabora inoltre con l’Alleanza UNITA nell’ambito del progetto Geminae, un network di 30 Università non europee che condividono con le Università UNITA tematiche chiave quali l’uso delle lingue romanze, la cooperazione per il consolidamento dell’Iniziativa delle Università Europee, il coinvolgimento della comunità accademica nell’internazionalizzazione e la definizione di un modello di internazionalizzazione sostenibile e socialmente responsabile oltre che sulla costruzione di programmi internazionali all’avanguardia incentrati sugli studenti. In quest’ambito, UFV ha recentemente invitato un rappresentante di UNITA alla riunione di presidenti, vicepresidenti e direttori della ricerca e degli studi universitari brasiliani che si terrà a Belo Horizonte a novembre 2024, per partecipare al workshop “Regional asymmetries: deconstructing stereotypes and promoting complementarity in postgraduate studies”. E’ un’occasione importante che permetterà di presentare in America Latina a una platea di circa 500 persone l’esperienza dell’Alleanza UNITA per valorizzare gli elementi comuni tra gli atenei che collaborano tra loro e mitigare potenziali asimmetrie e ineguaglianze tra Istituzioni e regioni: una tematica che in un paese ampio e variegato come il Brasile è ritenuta fondamentale. Per l’alleanza UNITA parteciperà la Prof. Maria Villarroya dell’Università di Zaragoza.
UNITA at R&I cross-alliance event in Brussels
UNITA was present in Brussels on October 4th, alongside 13 other European University Alliances to share the results obtained from projects dedicated to research and innovation, such as Research for UNITA (Re-UNITA). Two UNITA representatives had the chance to presented the network of shared infrastructures, set up thanks to the Re-UNITA project. Les Alliances d’Universités Européennes financées en 2020 et ayant reçu des projets SwafS (Science with and for Socity) se sont réunies à Bruxelles pour présenter les résultats de leurs projets visant à renforcer la dimension R&I des Alliances. Ces projets triennaux arrivent à leur terme cette année ; ce fut donc une excellente occasion de faire le point sur les trois dernières années et de discuter de l’avenir de la dimension R&I au sein des Alliances. Unanimement, les résultats des Alliances européennes en termes de recherche et d’innovation ont été salués, ainsi que l’esprit d’entraide qui amène un partage effectif des bonnes pratiques et des résultats obtenus entre nos différentes Alliances. Le programme a porté à la fois sur les principaux résultats des projets et sur l’avenir du financement de la R&I pour les Alliances. 14 Alliances ont présenté les activités qu’elles ont menées et leurs résultats dans des domaines clés : le renforcement du capital humain (soutien aux carrières des chercheurs, évaluation des carrières, développement des compétences, etc.) et les stratégies/politiques communes de R&I (programme commun de R&I, plateformes communes, activités de recherche communes, etc.). Rosa Bolea Bailo (Vice-présidente de la politique scientifique, Universidad de Zaragoza – Espagne) et Frédéric Marias (coordinateur Re-UNITA, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour – France) ont représenté le projet Re-UNITA et l’Alliance UNITA. Mme Bolea Bailo a pu présenter le réseau d’infrastructures partagées mis en œuvre durant Re-UNITA, son fonctionnement et ses résultats, en soulignant son élargissement dans le cadre de la phase de consolidation d’UNITA. ©SimonBlackley Lors des échanges, l’audience a pu souligner l’engagement politique fort des établissements de l’Alliance UNITA pour mutualiser nos ressources de recherche, et a montré un intérêt fort pour la plateforme numérique mise en place. En outre, des représentants de la Commission européenne ont participé aux discussions avec les alliances pour aborder les résultats des projets SwafS, mais aussi les futures possibilités de financement de la R&I pour les alliances. L’événement a également été l’occasion d’engager des discussions fructueuses avec le public et la Commission européenne, de partager les bonnes pratiques et de défendre les besoins des Alliances en termes de R&I pour l’avenir. L’événement a donc marqué une étape importante dans l’histoire de l’Europe.
UNITApedia is born, the collaborative tool of the UNITA alliance
This informative platform is designed to measure the impact of the project. UNITA has launched UNITApedia, a collaborative platform designed to monitor and evaluate the impact of the project in its academic communities and areas of influence across seven countries. The tool, which gathers data on the project and has been developed based on collective intelligence solutions using open-source code from Wikipedia, was presented by Professor Martin Larraza, Vice-Chancellor for Quality, Economic Matters and Strategy at UPNA, during a course on measuring social impact recently held at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). UNITApedia is understood as a shared knowledge space that facilitates the collection and visualisation of data related to UNITA’s activities. This platform, available since 1st July, allows students, academic and administrative staff, as well as external collaborators, to access up-to-date information on the project’s progress and results. The aim is to promote greater transparency and participation in monitoring the strategic objectives of the alliance. The four dimensions of UNITApedia UNITApedia’s structure is organised around four dimensions that reflect the various areas of UNITA’s impact. The structural dimension focuses on the internal organisation of the project and covers the planning and execution of activities according to the different work packages. The strategic dimension examines the long-term impact of the actions carried out within the Alliance’s objectives. The stakeholder dimension centres on the direct and indirect beneficiaries of the project, such as students, academic and administrative staff, and stakeholders. Finally, the semantic dimension facilitates the creation and management of a living, shared knowledge, fed by the contributions of all participants. From a technical point of view, UNITApedia will be connected to UNITA’s data warehouse, which will enable it to integrate up-to-date information and dynamic visualisations of impact indicators. This approach facilitates real-time analysis of the effects of UNITA’s activities on its environment and provides a useful tool for decision-making and the continuous improvement of implemented strategies.
Universidade Federal de Viçosa delegation explores new collaborations with UPPA
In addition to the Partner Days held from September 15 to 17, University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) hosted a delegation from Universidade Federal de Viçosa on September 17 and 18, consisting of three representatives from this Brazilian university, a member of the GEMINAE network: Raul Guedes, Odemir Baeta, and Karla Damiano. During their visit, these professors met with leaders of the Global Health and Cultural Heritage thematic hubs, the Directors of various colleges, the leaders of Work Package 4 (WP4), and several members of the teaching staff. They also had the opportunity to explore the CHORAL program in greater depth. Potential avenues for collaboration were identified on the Basque Coast campus, particularly with the MIAL Master’s program. Throughout these enriching and intensive discussions, the three researchers reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying collaboration with the UPPA and continuing the existing partnerships. Viçosa is already a partner of the UPPA in an Erasmus Mundus Design Measure project on the didactics of Romance languages, as well as in a Capacity Building initiative, which builds on the CONNECT-UNITA cooperation partnership. Additionally, an interuniversity cooperation agreement is currently being developed. The UPPA is pleased to see this partnership continue to flourish.
UPPA welcomes international partners ahead of EAIE 2024
Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Brazil, the United States, Chile… In early September, over fifteen international partners visited the campuses of Bayonne and Pau ahead of the EAIE International Conference in Toulouse, during the “Partners’ Days.” This was a unique opportunity for the UNITA Office to present the alliance and its potential for collaboration. The European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference is a major annual event for global university cooperation. For the first time in 15 years, it was hosted in France, in Toulouse. This provided an excellent opportunity to welcome UNITA’s international partners and potential collaborators two days before the conference, from September 16 to 17, 2024. During these two days, participants engaged in discussions on pedagogical innovation in an international setting and participated in networking activities. The group also visited the Pau campus before heading to Toulouse for the conference. UNITA played an active role in discussions aimed at initiating new collaborations and mobility programs for students. These interactions laid the groundwork for potential future partnerships, reinforcing UNITA’s commitment to international cooperation and student mobility across borders. Learn more about the UNITA’s presence at the EAIE
UNITA joins EUSAF, the European Union Student Ambassador Forum
From September 12 to 14, a UniTO student participated as a UNITA alliance ambassador at the first EUSAF event at the SGH School of Economics in Warsaw. EUSAF è un’iniziativa che ricade nell’ambito del progetto EUC Voices ed è coordinato dalla SGH Warsaw School of Economics e dall’Erasmus Student Network. L’iniziativa mira a promuovere l’impegno, l’identità e il senso di appartenenza degli studenti all’interno delle Alleanze europee e tra di esse, nonché a fornire input e raccomandazioni alle Alleanze e alle altre parti interessate. EUSAF è composto da uno studente rappresentante, chiamato “Ambasciatore”, selezionato da ognuna delle Alleanza europee partecipanti. Gli “Ambasciatori” si incontrano annualmente in presenza e due volte all’anno online. Gli eventi in presenza sono organizzati da SGH in collaborazione con l’Erasmus Student Network. Oltre 40 giovani rappresentanti di diverse alleanze europee si sono riuniti a Varsavia dal 12 al 14 settembre 2024 in occasione dell’EUSAF, per condividere le loro esperienze, scambiare idee sullo stato presente e futuro dell’educazione superiore in Europa ed esplorare modalità per lavorare insieme. Fatima Mangouchi, studentessa dell’Università di Torino che ha rappresentato UNITA a EUSAF racconta come durante l’evento sia emerso con forza un elemento importante: nonostante ogni alleanza abbia attività e focus diversi, tutte condividono l’obiettivo principale di rafforzare l’interazione e gli scambi tra gli Atenei, servendosi di strumenti comuni come il networking e la comunicazione quali elementi chiave della propria strategia. L’evento ha rappresentato una grande opportunità per incontrare persone di diversa provenienza, tutte impegnate a migliorare il panorama educativo europeo. Sebbene ogni “ambasciatore” rappresentasse la propria alleanza, c’era una visione condivisa di rafforzare la collaborazione in tutta Europa e di creare maggiori opportunità per le generazioni future. Alla fine, è emersa l’importanza della cooperazione come strumento per avere un impatto duraturo non solo sulle università, ma sull’Europa nel suo complesso. Un rapporto completo che riflette i risultati delle attività e delle discussioni sarà disponibile da dicembre 2024. Guarda il video di Fatima su Instagram di UNITA Universitas montium.