Dal joins European Union‑funded research exchange consortium

Talk about internationalization in higher education has been front and centre in recent years. Embedded in that discussion is the argument that universities need to give their students more opportunities to experience different cultures first-hand.

As part of Dal’s efforts to give students those opportunities, the university has joined a new consortium.

"The Network Of America and Europa for Doctoral Mobility at UniversitieS"
(NOVA DOMUS) is a research exchange program funded by the European Union through its famed Erasmus Mundus program. Led by the University of Barcelona, the exchange program involves a group of 12 top universities in Europe and North America and focuses on research collaboration in areas of medical sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and technology.

“I am so pleased that Dal is a part of this initiative because it is a perfect fit with the objectives and proposed actions laid out in the university’s International Strategy,” says Alain Boutet, Executive Director of Dal’s Office of International Relations.

While Dal currently has a multitude of exchange programs for its students, NOVA DOMUS stands out.

“This is really a unique opportunity for Dal’s PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and research staff to work in a lab at one of the 11 partner universities, with travel and other expenses being covered," says Dieter Pelzer, associate dean of Graduate Studies. "We’re excited to offer this kind of experience to groups that aren’t usually targeted in exchanges.” Dal faculty will also benefit from hosting PhD students, postdocs and research staff from European partner institutions.

The intent is that the exchanges will allow researchers at Dalhousie to either expand current connections or forge new connections with collaborators at the partner universities.

“Dal researchers are already collaborating with colleagues around the world. NOVA DOMUS provides a wonderful opportunity to support their collaborations with a highly respected set of European institutions,” explains Pat Rodee, Director of International Research and Development at Dal.

Partner universities are:

• Europe
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • Lunds University, Sweden
  • Pompeu Fabra University, Spain
  • Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain
  • University of Bologna, Italy
  • University of Glasgow, Scotland
  • University of Leuven, Belgium   
    
• North America
  • Dalhousie University
  • University of British Columbia
  • Université de Montreal
  • University of Ottawa
  • Brown University
    

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and International Research & Development within Dalhousie Research Services are working together to make the program a success.

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