A key moment for strengthening links between T4EU universities

From 25 to 27 November, Université Jean Monnet (UJM) hosted a new Matchmaking Event for the T4EU alliance – a key gathering designed to bring academic staff together and spark the creation of new joint projects. Over three days, participants met at St-Etienne, France, to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and lay the groundwork for future international collaborations.

A key moment for strengthening links between T4EU universities

The first two days brought together 70 professors from partner universities across the alliance. The third day, dedicated to early-stage researchers, gathered 25 PhD candidates who shared their work and identified potential research synergies.
In total, 14 collaboration meetings were held, covering a wide range of disciplines: intercultural communication, mathematics, biology, languages, chemistry, and more.

Concrete progress and new projects to come

Discussions among academic teams led to many tangible outcomes, signalling a promising dynamic for future cooperation:

• Biomedical Sciences: A shared commitment to creating a horizontal mobility schemes (same study level) between UJM and Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP).
• Biotechnology: Early discussions for a future joint programme between the University of Silesia in Katowice (USIL), UCP, and Vytautas Magnus University (VMU).
• Medicine: A fruitful first meeting between Saarland University (USAAR) and UJM, with a shared interest in launching collaborations.
• Biology: Ongoing development of a two-week BIP / summer school involving UJM, UCP, and USIL.
• Modern Languages & International Mobility: A new mobility agreement signed between UJM and VMU, enabling English Studies students to complete a semester in the English Philology Bachelor in Lithuania.
• Physics: UJM and USIL aim to co-develop a vertical mobility schemes (continuing studies in the partner university).
• Romance Languages: Development of a joint programme between UCP, UJM, the University of Alicante (UA), and the University of Trieste (UNITS), with expanded collaboration involving USAAR, VMU, and the University of Primorska (UP).
• Mathematics: Finalisation of discussions for a vertical mobility scheme between UJM and UP. Next steps: signing the agreement and beginning negotiations for horizontal mobility. USIL has also expressed interest in joining the partnership.
• Chemistry: Continued development of a joint programme between USAAR and UJM, along with initial discussions with Sofia University (SU) and USIL on mobility, microcredentials, and research cooperation.
• Applied Foreign Languages (LEA): Exchanges between UP and UJM to broaden collaboration beyond existing schemes (horizontal and vertical mobility, BIPs, chair exchange, joint programme).
• Intercultural Communication: Joint development of a microcredential (coordinated by USIL) involving UJM, USAAR, and UCP.
  
  

Focus on the day dedicated to PhD candidates

The third day of the Matchmaking Event highlighted the voice and engagement of T4EU’s early-stage researchers. PhD candidates presented their thesis topics, opening the door to in-depth discussions on methodologies, research contexts, and the challenges they encounter.

They also explored the idea of creating a shared space for PhD candidates across the alliance, to exchange articles, scientific resources, and collaboration opportunities. This initiative aims to strengthen networking and facilitate collaborative work beyond institutional boundaries.

A presentation of the three existing junior labs rounded out the day.
A junior lab is a working group bringing together young European researchers around a shared theme. These collaborative spaces promote interdisciplinary and international research, potentially leading to joint publications, shared research projects, or participation in T4EU events. They offer an ideal environment to develop skills, gain visibility, and expand one’s European research network.

The three junior labs introduced focus on:

• Pedagogical research
• Artistic research
• Video games — and how they can support research or inspire new governance methods
  
  

A very positive outcome for the T4EU alliance

This Matchmaking Event strengthened ties between T4EU universities and fostered the emergence of new, strategically significant projects. The many concrete outcomes highlight the value of meeting in person and demonstrate the collective commitment to building a dynamic, ambitious, and forward-looking alliance.

UJM is delighted with the success of this edition and warmly thanks all participants for the high quality of exchanges and their enthusiasm.