Leaders of FORTHEM-universities met at the University of Valencia
Presidents and Rectors addressed various crucial aspects related to growth, sustainability and further development of the Alliance, including future financial perspectives and strategic goals beyond 2030. They discussed implementing joint degrees to enhance student mobility and academic excellence, and shared insights on common strategies in research and innovation. Furthermore, the ways to enhance the research dimension of FORTHEM was discussed for the first time on the alliance level by the rectors and presidents.
“The rectors signed in the meeting the revised Statute that clarifies the aims and missions of the alliance. This alone was important. Moreover, we had the opportunity to discuss, among other things, the strategy of the alliance. Furthermore, it is always important to meet colleagues face-to-face and share thoughts”, University of Jyväskylä’s Rector Jari Ojala says.
Parallel with the meeting of rectors and presidents, the Vice-rectors and experts of research had a workshop focusing on research. The strategies for enhancing research efforts, crucial for garnering support within the academic community, were addressed and the results and outputs of the Horizon2020 project FIT FORTHEM were analysed.
Participants learned about several concrete collaborations between the University of Valencia and business enterprises during the tour to the Scientific Parc of the University of Valencia. One of the highlights of the event was the signing of the Statute of the Alliance, symbolizing shared commitment to the principles and objectives that unite FORTHEM member institutions.
An opportunity for various cooperation points across alliance activities
FORTHEM Coordination Commission, consisting of the nine institutional FORTHEM coordinators, used the opportunity to meet face to face to compile a SWOT analysis on the new FORTHEM governance and to discuss the elements of a Code of Conduct which will be annexed to FORTHEM Statute. Furthermore, JYU Head of International Office Tuija Koponen shared experiences of an institutional process of identifying linkages between FORTHEM tasks and JYU strategic development programs.
In conjunction with the Presidency event, twenty-five communications experts from the nine alliance universities met to discuss universities’ communication plans and tools, and how to best utilize them in FORTHEM communication. Topical communication themes, such as social media trends and Gen Z’s needs, were also discussed. The communication experts also visited the state-of-the-art video production section of the University of Valencia.
During the visit, both groups had the opportunity to follow guided tours, taste some of the local dishes and listen to music performances as well as watch beautiful traditional dances. The annual on-site meetings provide an opportunity for participants to create stronger bonds with their counterparts, discuss important topics and ensure a strong long-term synergy between the nine members of the FORTHEM Alliance.
