Strategic objectives aligned with national priorities This training, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MESRS), was specifically addressed to the research offices and international relations departments of Algerian universities. It aims above all to consolidate scientific collaboration between Algerian research institutions and those of the European Union.
Specifically, this meeting was designed to :
Facilitate the engagement of Algerian institutions in international partnerships.
Target scientific topics that meet national research priorities, such as water, soil health, energy transition and sustainable development.
Organise B2B meetings between European and Algerian experts on strategic topics in order to facilitate the sharing of best practices.
Highlight the opportunities offered by EU research programmes dedicated to Africa and the Mediterranean region.
A rich program focused on Mediterranean opportunities The program of these two days made it possible to map existing mechanisms and understand how Algerian institutions can effectively engage with them.
The first day highlighted :
The presentation of TOUR4EU (Tuscan Organization of Universities and Research for Europe) by Simona Costa, which can act as a real bridge to Algerian universities.
Models of institutional coordination, illustrated by the University of Florence, with remote interventions from its Vice-Presidents Giorgia Giovannetti (International Relations) and Debora Berti (Research).
The new "Pact for the Mediterranean", the EU’s strategic partnership, detailed by Alessandro Calabro of the European Commission (DG RTD).
The WestMED assistance mechanism for a sustainable blue economy ecosystem, presented by Leonardo Manzani.
The second day was devoted to institutional exchange :
Discussions on synergies with Mediterranean cooperation programmes.
A direct sharing around the challenges and opportunities between experts and administrative representatives of Algerian universities.
European expertise in the service of higher education To support participants, the event mobilized European experts with complementary skills:
Simona Costa (TOUR4EU AISBL), with in-depth expertise on a wide range of funding programs (Horizon Europe, H2020, Digital Europe) and the Global Gateway initiative for Africa.
Cinzia Chighine (Tuscany Region), specialized in the management of international cooperation, territorial attractiveness and technical assistance for projects in the Mediterranean.
A strong mobilization of the national university network The event brought together an expected audience of 40 to 50 people in person, in addition to remote connections. The Algerian university network was strongly mobilized through the presence of vice-rectors, deputy directors, researchers and teachers. Among the many participating institutions, there were notably the University of Médéa, the University of Blida 1 and 2, the University of Algiers 1, UMMTO, the University M'hamed Bougara, as well as major schools and centers such as ENSA, EPAU, ESI, ENSSMAL, CRTSE or even CDER.
The link with IPTICAR dynamics This seminar is fully in line with the global approach of IPTICAR, a project implemented by a European consortium composed of France (Expertise France), Italy (PIN) and Sweden (SPIDER). By offering in-depth knowledge of networking actions carried out in Brussels, this training lays the foundation for future sustainable institutional collaborations. Finally, this conference was also a privileged space to discuss and plan the next study visit in Brussels, which will be dedicated to the institutional figures of the MESRS engaged in international cooperation.