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.
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.
The 2nd ESU Conference of Student Organizations from European Alliances, hosted by UVT
West University of Timișoara recently hosted the 2nd ESU Conference of Student Organizations from European Alliances from October 31 to November 2, 2024. Organized by the European Students’ Union (ESU) and the National Alliance of Student Organizations in Romania (ANOSR), this event was a significant gathering for student representatives from European University Alliances. The conference addressed crucial topics like student representation, inclusion, and mobility in European higher education, with sessions exploring the role of student voices in the development of European Alliances, social inclusion, and the future of student involvement in educational policy. Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara a găzduit a doua Conferință ESU a Organizațiilor Studențești din Alianțe Europene În perioada 31 octombrie – 2 noiembrie 2024, Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara a fost gazda celei de-a doua Conferințe ESU (European Students’ Union) a Organizațiilor Studențești din Alianțe Europene. Evenimentul, organizat de Uniunea Studenților Europeni (ESU) și de Alianța Națională a Organizațiilor Studențești din România (ANOSR), a reunit reprezentanți ai studenților din Alianțele Universităților Europene pentru a aborda teme esențiale din domeniul educației superioare. Scopul conferinței a fost să faciliteze discuții semnificative pe teme critice pentru studenți și pentru viitorul învățământului superior european, inclusiv reprezentarea studenților, mobilitatea și incluziunea în cadrul educației. Agenda din acest an a inclus sesiuni de interes major, printre care explorarea rolului activ al vocii studenților în dezvoltarea Alianțelor Europene, analiza dimensiunii sociale a incluziunii și dezbateri despre viitorul implicării studenților în formularea politicilor educaționale. De asemenea, conferința a oferit ocazia unor discuții cu reprezentanți ai Comisiei Europene pe tema pachetului de învățământ superior și a inclus o sesiune dedicată conceptului de diplomă europeană, un subiect de mare interes pentru studenții din întreaga Europă. Workshopurile desfășurate au urmărit să ofere participanților noi perspective și abilități pentru construirea unor cadre educaționale incluzive, contribuind astfel la dezvoltarea unui învățământ superior accesibil și echitabil. Pe lângă sesiunile de lucru, participanții au avut ocazia să descopere orașul Timișoara printr-un tur ghidat și să ia parte la diverse activități culturale menite să întărească legăturile în cadrul comunității studenților europeni. Aceste momente culturale au contribuit la crearea unui mediu de colaborare și unitate între organizațiile studențești din Alianțele Europene, consolidând rețeaua de colaborare internațională și sprijin reciproc.
The “ACADEMIC DIPLOMACY in the Context of European University Alliances” Conference
The conference “ACADEMIC DIPLOMACY in the Context of European University Alliances” took place on October 31 and November 1, 2024, at the West University of Timișoara. Gathering leaders from education and diplomacy, the event explored the impact of European university alliances on Romania’s education and research sectors and examined opportunities for reconnecting with the Romanian diaspora. With participation from Romania’s Foreign Minister Luminița Odobescu, seven Romanian ambassadors, and representatives of Romanian universities in European alliances, the conference included discussions on international academic collaborations and the role of these alliances in supporting research with a global dimension in Romania. Conferința „DIPLOMAȚIA ACADEMICĂ în contextul Alianțelor de Universități Europene” s-a desfășurat la Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara În perioada 31 octombrie – 1 noiembrie 2024, Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara a fost gazda conferinței „Diplomația Academică în contextul Alianțelor de Universități Europene.” Evenimentul a reunit lideri de seamă din domeniul educației și al diplomației, care au discutat despre influența alianțelor universitare europene asupra educației și cercetării din România, precum și despre oportunitățile pe care aceste alianțe le creează pentru a reconecta diaspora academică românească. La conferință au participat Ministrul Afacerilor Externe, doamna Luminița Odobescu, șapte ambasadori români acreditați în străinătate, reprezentanți ai celor 21 de universități românești membre ale unor alianțe europene, dar și alți actori interesați de această temă. Programul evenimentului a inclus momente cheie, cum ar fi masa rotundă intitulată „Diplomația Cunoașterii și Științei: România în Europa prin Alianțele de Universități Europene.” În cadrul acestei sesiuni, participanții au analizat beneficiile și contribuția României în aceste alianțe, din perspectivă diplomatică, educațională și de cercetare. De asemenea, a fost organizat workshop-ul „Diploma europeană. Perspective naționale și europene,” unde au fost prezentate bune practici și experiențe de succes din diverse universități. Pe parcursul celor două zile, participanții au avut ocazia să interacționeze și să schimbe idei despre viitorul educației și cercetării în context european. Rețelele de colaborare interuniversitară au fost subliniate ca fiind esențiale pentru dezvoltarea educației superioare. În încheierea evenimentului, pe 1 noiembrie, a avut loc o sesiune specială dedicată reconectării cu diaspora academică românească. Această sesiune a scos în evidență rolul alianțelor de universități europene în sprijinirea cercetării și educației de dimensiune internațională în România, contribuind astfel la o abordare mai globalizată și incluzivă „acasă”.
The Community Welfare Project for Campertogno: a new model of solidarity and sustainability in the UNITA European Alliance
Through Rural Mobility, the initiative aims for “resource mobility” and as activities to connect different generations and skills. Il 5 ottobre 2024 è stato presentato a Campertogno, nel Vercellese, il nuovo Progetto di Welfare di Comunità sviluppato dalla Dottoressa Sara Marovelli, studentessa magistrale in Scienze del Governo, nell’ambito della sua mobilità tramite il programma UNITA Rural Mobility. Nato in seno all’alleanza europea UNITA, di cui l’Università degli Studi di Torino è ente coordinatore, UNITA Rural Mobility promuove la collaborazione tra università e realtà nei territori per affrontare le sfide delle aree rurali. Il progetto di Welfare di Comunità mira a costruire una rete di sostegno che rafforzi l’accesso ai servizi essenziali e promuova la coesione sociale; vengono pianificati spazi pensati per mettere in connessione competenze e generazioni diverse. Tra questi, spiccano laboratori di artigianato locale, corsi digitali per anziani tenuti dai giovani del paese, spazi di co-working per studenti e professionisti e molto altro. Queste iniziative mirano non solo a valorizzare il patrimonio culturale e le abilità locali, ma anche a creare opportunità di scambio e apprendimento reciproco, rafforzando il senso di comunità e l’integrazione sociale. Grazie a Rural Mobility, l’iniziativa punta a una “mobilità delle risorse” e ad attività per connettere diverse generazioni e competenze. La dottoressa Marovelli ha illustrato come questi obiettivi siano possibili solo grazie alla sinergia e al sostegno della comunità, promuovendo soluzioni innovative per il contesto rurale del paese. La sindaca di Campertogno, Miriam Giubertoni, ha elogiato il progetto e il coinvolgimento dell’Università di Torino, riconoscendo quanto UNITA rappresenti una grande opportunità per dare visibilità e concretezza a iniziative di questo tipo nei territori. Il Progetto di Welfare di Comunità, frutto della studentessa e della collaborazione internazionale dell’alleanza UNITA, potrà rappresentare un modello di welfare rurale che ispiri altre comunità rurali europee e di ricerca verso un futuro più solidale e sostenibile.
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.
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