University of Rouen Normandy and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences have signed a Joint Research Agreement

University of Rouen Normandy (URN) and South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) have officially signed a Joint Research Agreement, marking a milestone in their collaboration under the INGENIUM European University Alliance. 

The signing ceremony, held in Italy on 15 October 2024, brought Laurent Yon, President of the URN, Eric Dargent, Vice-President for internationalisation, and Professor Heikki Saastamoinen, President and CEO of Xamk together for this significant event.

The agreement will increase collaborative research between the two institutions facilitating the joint supervision of PhD candidates within the Xamk academic community.

The agreement also symbolises the commitment to creating a united academic community within INGENIUM.

– The idea of having a joint program to develop the research at a doctoral level was born during the 10 Days of INGENIUM hosted by URN in May 2024, tells Eric Dargent.

Eeva Kuoppala, INGENIUM Project Director, and Mika Ruponen, Director of Commercial and International Affairs at Xamk, participated in the fruitful discussions that took place in Rouen.

The proposal became a reality thanks to Vincent Richard, Vice-President for Research at URN, Philippe Moguerou, Director of the Research and Doctoral Studies Unit, and Laurence Puechberty, General Director for Research, Innovation and Partnership.

– We are very pleased to sign this agreement that will allow us to go a step forward into developing existing or emerging projects, and we are looking forward to welcoming the first PhD Xamk students, says Heikki Saastamoinen.

– We are happy to deepen the cooperation with the URN. The agreement represents a significant step forward in our shared journey as partners in the INGENIUM European University Alliance. The agreement will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and expertise between our universities, Saastamoinen adds.

The agreement will enhance academic excellence, drive innovation, and promote sustainable solutions across borders. It enables the universities to pursue joint research projects, co-author publications, and implement innovative educational programs.

In the photo from left URN INGENIUM Project coordinator Ligia Livanu, URN Vice-President for internationalisation Eric Dargent and President of the URN Laurent Yon and from Xamk President and CEO Heikki Saastamoinen, INGENIUM Project Director Eeva Kuoppala and Director of Commercial and International Affairs Mika Ruponen.