On March 30, the EELISA universities École des Ponts ParisTech and Université PSL (Paris, France), as well as Scuola Normale Superiore and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Pisa, Italy), were invited to Università di Torino for a meeting dedicated to Italian and French universities participating in the “European University” initiative.
The aim of this gathering was to raise awareness around current alliances, projects and innovation learning techniques deployed in the universities of these two specific countries. A collaborative space organised by Università di Torino, Università Italo Francese, UNITA Alliance – Universitas Montium, Embassy of France in Italy and the Institut Français Italia, that allowed to enhance the cooperation of the different European alliances.
Among the attendees, two EELISA students had the chance of participating in this event: Vagisha Aggarwal (PSL) and Maryam El Yaagoubi (ENPC). Vagisha, student council member of EELISA at Université PSL in Paris, shares with us her insights on the event and her experience as a speaker introducing the EELISA European Alliance, as well as its mission and values.
The French- Italian Universities Initiative was held at the University of Turin, Italy on the 30th of March 2023. With participation of more than 30 alliances, the event had an aim to strengthen the academic relations between the two countries and to diversify the landscape for research, collaboration, creativity through promoting co-joint degree programs, micro-certification programs and cultural and academic exchange programs. The event was graced by many important people working in the field of education like M. Siegfried Martin-Diaz, Head of European Higher Education & Research Strategies Department, French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and Mme. Tiziana Lippiello, President of the International Committee, The Conference of Italian University Rectors. Everyone present, in their speeches focused on one word – SYNERGY – between the countries, between the researchers, students & industries.
After the inaugural speeches, the day then progressed with 4 parallel thematic workshops on ‘Education’, ‘Mobility’, ‘Research & Innovation’ and ‘Student Engagement’ where the participants presented their alliances and new initiatives that they have been working on. I gave a presentation about EELISA in the ‘Mobility’ workshop and spoke about one of its upcoming endeavours. It was quite interesting to see the works of other alliances, their thought process to develop initiatives across borders in the European Union and efforts to make the programs attractive for students. This was followed by a poster session with more informal interactions with alliance representatives to understand more about their projects, the roadblocks and was a good opportunity to discuss and share ideas.
Meeting up with other student representatives was very refreshing too.We discussed our roles as student representatives, how we are working to make our respective alliances to be more known among students, the barriers in student participation and ideas to overcome that. Overall, it was a very informative and fun event that I was glad to have attended.
Vagisha Aggarwal
Masters in Material Science & Engineering
Chimie ParisTech, PSL Research University, Paris
More about Vagisha
Vagisha is a student council member of EELISA at Université PSL in Paris, from where she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Material Science and Engineering.
She is passionate about sustainability & innovation, new materials and the F&B industry and hopes to work at the intersection of the three.
She enjoys travelling, reading and running.
Read more about the event (in French/Italian) HERE