The deliberations were devoted to analysing the potential of research cooperation and initiating joint educational initiatives between UNIC partner universities.
During the meetings, the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz presented its interdisciplinary research strengths – especially in the field of environmental research and urban studies. The unique combination of economics, social geography and spatial economics with sociology and the activities of five interdisciplinary research centres (including the UniLodz Centre of Migration Studies, the Centre of Labour Market Analysis, the Centre of Social Innovations, the UniLodz Interdisciplinary Centre for Urban Studies) were recognised as special distinguishing features of the University of Lodz.
The EkSoc Fellowship Programme, which enables short-term stays of international scientists to carry out joint projects, conduct classes (60 hours) and cooperate on publications and grants, aroused particular interest among the guests from UNIC.
As part of teaching cooperation, the key areas of development were identified, including:
- creation of joint BA and MA study programmes,
- cooperation in the organisation of Blended Intensive Programmes within the Erasmus+ programme,
- organisation of joint summer schools,
- development of joint online courses for doctoral schools and implementation of Cotutelle programmes (joint doctorates).
The meeting was attended by the following representatives of UNIC partner universities:
- Annika Olsson, Malmö University
- Derek Hutcheson, Malmö University
- Fernando Villatoro, University of Deusto
- JB McCarthy, Cork University Business School, University College Cork
- Jakša Krišto, University of Zagreb
- Gordana Kordic, University of Zagreb
- Janne Jarvinen, University of Oulu
- Julio R. Robledo, Ruhr University Bochum
- Katherina Haaf, Ruhr University Bochum
as well as dean authorities, academic staff and representatives of the administration of the University of Lodz.
The event participants agreed that UNIC is more than an alliance and the meeting was a platform for implementing real activities.
