The Universities of the Euregio Have Increased Their Level of Cooperation

 

The University of Liège, Maastricht University, Hasselt University, the Open Universiteit, and RWTH Aachen University have signed a memorandum of understanding.

Five universities based in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, located in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, came together on Friday to sign a memorandum of understanding. The aim of the agreement is to expand upon existing partnerships and intensify cross-border cooperation. "We will take advantage of Aachen’s unique geographical location," explains Joost-Pieter Katoen, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Learning at RWTH Aachen University. In addition to RWTH, the Université de Liége (BEL), Maastricht University (NL), Hasselt University (BEL) and the Open Universiteit (NL) have signed the document.

The closer cooperation is not only designed to combine the scientific expertise of the region. It is also intended to expand upon cooperation between the institutions. An initial Interreg project proposal will expand the range of options for students in the field of the circular economy. "Modules can then be taken and credited at all partner universities," explains Professor Katoen.

The universities want to cooperate in the areas of research, teaching, innovation, and community, whilst always keeping the needs of the cross-border region and the impact that the projects might have on the region in mind. In the coming months, they will identify these needs and define topics accordingly. The universities see the main focus as being on the exchange of researchers and students (partly through scholarships), in joint research projects and funding applications, conferences, seminars and symposia, collaboration with regional companies, and shared access to research infrastructure.

"We are already working very well together bilaterally," explains Professor Joost-Pieter Katoen. For example, there are already joint degree programs between RWTH and Maastricht University. With the community of five universities in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine now formalized in the memorandum of understanding, the universities want to utilize the full strength of the region.

RWTH Rector Ulrich Rüdiger signed the memorandum of understanding together with (from left to right) Theo Bastiaens (Open Universiteit), Pierre Duysinx (Université de Liége), Pamela Habibovic (Maastricht University) and Bernard Vanheusden (Hasselt University).