Bringing together participants from the ten UNIC partner universities, the event created space for researchers to connect their expertise, explore shared research interests and develop ideas for future joint projects.

As an alliance of research-intensive universities, UNIC sees research as an important element of the alliance’s collaborative potential. UNIC partners therefore invest in their joint research capacity beyond the Erasmus+ programme, encouraging the development of engaged research projects addressing societal challenges within our cities.

Strengthening the UNIC research support network

The programme began on 10 March with a meeting of the UNIC Research Support Expert Group. Research management professionals exchanged experiences on supporting international research collaboration and discussed common challenges in grant development.

Participants also explored ways to improve coordination between research offices across the alliance, including mapping research expertise and priorities across partner universities.

Connecting researchers across the UNIC alliance

On 11 and 12 March, the event continued with a two-day collaboration workshop bringing researchers together to explore potential joint projects linked to European research funding opportunities. Interactive sessions such as speed networking, thematic mapping and collaborative brainstorming helped participants identify complementary expertise and shared research interests.

“One of the strengths of our UNIC alliance is the diversity of expertise across our universities. Bringing researchers together in a collaborative setting like this allows new connections to emerge and helps transform shared ideas into concrete project opportunities,” said Prof. Dr. Semiha Denktas, UNIC Alliance Coordinator at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Vice-Dean Research at Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Working in small interdisciplinary groups, participants began outlining early-stage research proposals. Teams defined project objectives, discussed potential impact and considered possible consortium structures. The workshop concluded with short project pitches, where participants presented their emerging ideas and received feedback from the group.

A creative space for collaboration

The event took place at the RUB Makerspace, a hub for innovation and interdisciplinary exchange at Ruhr University Bochum.

“European research collaboration thrives when researchers have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and develop projects together. We are delighted to welcome colleagues from across the UNIC alliance to Bochum and to provide a space where new partnerships and innovative ideas can grow,” said Prof. Dr. Achim von Keudell, Vice-Rector for Structure and Planning at Ruhr University Bochum.

By bringing together researchers and research support professionals from across Europe, the meeting in Bochum helped strengthen connections within the UNIC research community and support the development of future collaborative research initiatives.

All photos by: Katja Marquard, Ruhr University Bochum