International Affairs - Relations Internationales - EPFL

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.6.2007 3:00 Page 18 A 18 VPRI International Affairs 3.3 Interaction with the Swiss Government 11 SER CRUS IRUS VPRI has excellent relations with SER (State Secretariat for Education and Research) through an active participation in defining an integrated international relations strategy for Switzerland and by jointly organizing the welcoming of foreign delegations. There are also numerous and fruitful contacts with the scientific attachés and Swiss Houses reporting to SER. Indeed, these ambassadors help EPFL in gathering crucial academic information and organizing visits or events abroad (e.g. by representing our institution at recruitment fairs abroad). VPRI represents EPFL within the DIZ (Delegation Internationale Zusammenarbeit) of the CRUS (Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities). VPRI’s main role within this group is to coordinate international relations between CRUS and EPFL. VPRI also participates to NAFSA 12 annual conference in the U.S. and EAIE 13 national conference in Europe. VPRI also acts as the EPFL contact with the Swiss office in charge of the ERASMUS program (ICES 14 ), reporting to CRUS, for all matters relating to student mobility. IRUS (International Relations Universities of Switzerland) is an informal network bringing together representatives of international relations departments of all Swiss universities and federal institutes of technology. The network is very active in the fields of lobbying, information exchange and the joint organization of events abroad (e.g., visit to China by an IRUS delegation at the Chinese government’s invitation). 11 Dr A. Fromentin and M. Burgat. 12 NAFSA; Association of International Educators. 13 EAIE; European Association of International Educators. 14 ICES; Information et Coordination ERASMUS Suisse. 3.4 Survey of International Contacts at EPFL 15 Jan Figuel, European Commissioner for education, training and culture, discovers EPFL in presence of Ch. Kleiber, State Secretary for education and research (September 2006). As EPFL increases its international efforts and impact, it is essential to be aware of the individual activities and projects of EPFL professors. In setting priorities at the national level (SER, ETH-Board) it has also become crucial to assess the initiatives of the EPFL labs so as to position EPFL accordingly. A survey (”International Contacts at EPFL”, Fromentin 2006) was conducted among faculty members at EPFL in order to evaluate their international relationships. Three main questions were asked: With which institutions or universities has your laboratory been working for the last five years (current contacts)? What are your priorities for future research collaboration and student recruitment? In which countries do you have a good understanding of the academic or research system? 15 Dr A. Fromentin et B. Weber. VPRI 19
Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.6.2007 3:00 Page 20 A 20 VPRI 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% International Affairs With close to 90 % response rate, the survey was representative. Current Contacts and Priorities for Research and Recruitment Western Europe Eastern Europe and Russia North America Latin America Australia Middle East Contact Research Recruitment India China Other countries of Southeast Asia Africa Current contacts by region, in % of the total number of contacts, as well as priorities for future research collaboration and for MS/PhD student recruitment. The results show a preponderance of contacts with Europe and then with North America, but also a strong emergence of Asia for recruitment interests. Our most important research partner remains the USA. The results are in agreement with the VPRI strategy. 3.5 Participation in University Networks and Associations 16 University associations are a valuable source of academic information and long term partnerships. EPFL is part of 10 different academic networks. VPRI was particularly active in: 16 Dr A. Fromentin et Dr M. Jaccard. 1) CLUSTER (Consortium Linking Universities of Science and Technology for Education and Research). EPFL participates in working groups reviewing the European dimension in science education, university management (benchmarking), joint master’s, Quality Assurance, marketing, contacts with Latin American institutions and Australian networks (Go8 17 , ATN 18 ). 2) CESAER (Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research) is an association of nearly 60 leading European Engineering Universities, Colleges and Schools. In 2006, the main concerns were Quality Assurance, outcomes of PhD programs, the European Institute of Technology and the mutual recognition of BS diplomas. 3) TIME (Top Industrial Managers for Europe) is the leading network for the training of bi-cultural, bilingual engineers and includes leading Technical Universities and Engineering High Schools. To improve MS student recruitment, EPFL will foster vertical mobility with TIME members. 4) EUA (European University Association) represents higher education institutions, providing them with a unique forum to keep abreast of the latest trends in higher education and research policies. The Association’s mandate in the Bologna process, contribution to EU research policy-making and relations with intergovernmental organizations ensure its capacity to debate crucial issues. Fundraising, master’s and doctoral programs were key points in 2006. 5) The Magna Charta Observatory aims to protect university values and rights in the EHEA. Serious concerns are expressed about the rising threats of academic fraud/corruption and the lack of autonomy in Eastern European universities. EPFL is also a member of GUNI (Global University Network for Innovation, a partner of UNESCO). The conference “Higher Education in the World 2007” featured major trends: accreditation, Quality Assurance and educational outreach. The activities of other global associations, for instance, ASEAN University Network (AUN), are monitored with the help of CESAER and TIME. 17 Go8 = Group of 8, network of the 10 best engineering universities in Australia. 18 ATN = Australian Technology Network. VPRI 21
Page 1 and 2: Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.
Page 9: Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.

International Affairs - Relations Internationales - EPFL

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?