UNIC delegation attends seminars hosted by the University of Tours in France within the framework of NEOLAiA

A delegation of four individuals from the University of Nicosia attended a series of seminars that took place between 26 and 28 November 2024, hosted by the University of Tours, in France. The seminars were organised within the framework of the European University Alliance NEOLAiA, of which the University of Nicosia is a full member.

The NEOLAiA European University Alliance is dedicated to creating an innovative European University with campuses across nine countries. The NEOLAiA Alliance has been awarded €14.4 million in funding by the European Commission for a period of four years, with the project officially commencing on 1 January 2024.

Dr Despo Ierodiakonou, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Nicosia Medical School, together with Dr Stella Manoli, Head of Research Administration, Ms Elisa Bosio, Head of Rankings Administration, and Ms Natalia Neokleous, Senior Administrator and Project Manager, from the Research and Innovation Office, represented the University of Nicosia during the visit. The seminars were organised within the framework of the NEOLAiA Work Package 5 (WP5) entitled “Increasing the impact of regional research”, which is led by Örebro University in Sweden.

The event kicked off with a keynote speech on “Sustaining scientific research of European universities alliances” delivered by Professor Ludovic Thilly, Vice Rector for the EC2U Alliance and European Networks at the University of Poitiers in France. Over the course of the visit, the WP5 delegates assessed the key project actions of Work Package 5 including mapping NEOLAiA’s research synergies and infrastructures, launching a mentoring programme and seminars for young researchers in 2025, initiating first working groups dedicated to research support missions, and defining a common framework for research within the Alliance.

The visit also included a two-day seminar focused on the development of HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) policies within the Alliance. Participants also attended various visits and presentations of research infrastructures and units at the University of Tours, particularly in the fields of science and technology.

The NEOLAiA European University Alliance consists of nine leading, young, forward-thinking, and innovative universities, ranked among the best in the world. Partners in the Alliance, alongside the University of Nicosia, are University of Bielefeld, Germany, Örebro University, Sweden, University of Salerno, Italy, University of Jaén, Spain, University of Tours, France, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, “Stefan Cel Mare” University of Suceava, Romania, and Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences, Lithuania.