Strengthening Ties: The University of Oviedo and Xamk Sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Enhanced Cooperation

In a major step towards deepening international academic collaboration within the INGENIUM alliance, the Rector of the University of Oviedo, Prof Ángel Ignacio Villaverde, and the President, CEO of the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), Dr Heikki Saastamoinen, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster cooperation between their institutions. The signing took place during the INGENIUM Senior School, hosted by the University of Oviedo from 17-21 February 2025, an event that brought together students, staff, and leaders from all 10 INGENIUM partner universities.

This agreement underscores the shared commitment of both universities, founding members of the INGENIUM Alliance of European Universities, to enhance inter-university partnerships. The MOU sets the stage for ambitious joint initiatives, particularly in research, doctoral studies, and staff and student mobility, aligning with the Alliance’s mission to drive innovation and collaboration across Europe.

Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Dr Heikki Saastamoinen, President, CEO of Xamk, remarked, “European university collaboration has brought us together with an excellent partner, the University of Oviedo. Deepening our cooperation is not only significant in content but also a mutual joy. Our collaboration is a great demonstration of how many excellent, yet previously untapped opportunities European higher education institutions have with each other.”

The signing ceremony occurred amidst the backdrop of the fourth edition of the INGENIUM Senior School, themed “Creativity and Communication in Research”, which welcomed Master’s and PhD students from across the network to explore the art of scientific communication and its role in amplifying research impact.

The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation that promises to enrich both institutions. Key areas of focus include creating pathways for Xamk staff and researchers to pursue advanced qualifications, such as research master’s and doctoral degrees, at the University of Oviedo. It also paves the way for joint supervision of master’s and doctoral students, and encourages research partnerships in fields of mutual interest, involving staff, departments, and schools, with an emphasis on supporting publicly and industry-funded projects.

This agreement builds on a history of growing collaboration between the two institutions, evident since the INGENIUM Alliance’s inception. A notable precursor was the visit by Xamk’s Board of Directors to the University of Oviedo in April 2023, shortly after the Alliance kicked off. Led by President, CEO Saastamoinen, the delegation—including vice-presidents, board members, and Finnish regional representatives—met with Rector Villaverde and local authorities to strengthen ties and explore cooperative opportunities, laying a foundation for this MOU.

Prof Jesús Daniel Santos Rodríguez, the Rector’s Delegate for International Alliances at the University of Oviedo, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, stating, “This MOU marks a pivotal moment in our journey within the INGENIUM Alliance. By joining forces with Xamk, we are not only fostering academic excellence but also creating a platform for cross-cultural exchange and innovation that will benefit our students, researchers, and communities for years to come.”

While the Memorandum of Understanding itself is a declaration of intent, it lays the groundwork for future agreements that will detail specific projects and funding arrangements. Both universities are committed to ensuring that any initiatives stemming from this partnership are practical, impactful, and sustainable, with administrative and academic support tailored to meet the needs of students and researchers.

The timing of the agreement, set against the INGENIUM Senior School, highlights the Alliance’s role as a catalyst for collaboration. Beyond the academic programme, the event served as a hub for strategic discussions among INGENIUM’s leadership, reinforcing the network’s dedication to mobility, inclusion, intercultural exchange and the creation of a joint European campus.