Erasmus Mundus Projects Showcased During EU Researchers’ Night
Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:11:00 BST
European Researchers’ Night is a Europe-wide event that is funded by European Commission via the EU’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (MSCA). The event took place simultaneously in over 300 venues in the last Friday of September. It is an evening dedicated to inspiring the next generation of budding researchers.
This year, more than 2300 visitors attended the event in University of Huddersfield with a choice of over 40 fascinating demonstrations, workshops and special events regarding innovation and scientific research. Some of these were financed by the European Commission while others were financed by the University of Huddersfield.
The main display of the event was the European Corner. One of its stands was organised by the Emerging Markets Research Group (EMERGE). Two Erasmus Mundus projects were represented: Central Asian Network for Economics and Management (CANEM) and University Network for Business and Administration (UNetBA).
CANEM and UNetBA are projects that have now been running for over three years and will end in 2017. CANEM is a £2 million EU-funded project that promotes the mobility of students and academics from Central Asian republics. UNetBA is a £4.5m EU project where Huddersfield, as sole UK University in the UNetBA project, takes a key role. This latter aims at promoting research and educational opportunities to students and researchers from five North African universities.
Both the students and the academics who were awarded scholarships to study at the University of Huddersfield have significantly benefited from the environment both at the university as well as time spent in different culture.
Najlae Bendou, UNetBA Student in University of Huddersfield says: “I spent a wonderful year undertaking MSc in Banking and Finance thanks to the UNetBA programme. I have been able to develop my research skills in a supportive environment. Moreover, I have enjoyed exploring British culture especially that of Yorkshire. While undertaking my studies at the University of Huddersfield, I was able to make new friends from different countries”.
During the European Researchers’ Night, the EMERGE stand received a variety of visitors, including undergraduate, masters and PhD students, as well as members of staff, who all showed their interest in the two Erasmus Mundus programs. Families were also fascinated by the worldwide souvenirs displayed at the stand from the participating countries.
Professor John Anchor, Director of EMERGE and coordinator of both Erasmus Mundus projects at Huddersfield says: “I was delighted that the EU Researchers’ Night gave us the opportunity to showcase some of our achievements in the CANEM and UNetBA projects. The work which the researchers from Central Asia and North Africa have undertaken has been valuable. In addition, we have been able to build up links which will enable collaboration to continue in the years to come”.
