Strengthening ENLIGHT cooperation: University of Groningen visits the University of Bern

A delegation from the University of Groningen, led by Rector Jacquelien Scherpen, recently visited the University of Bern. The visit was characterised by lively discussions and showed a strong interest from both sides in strengthening existing collaborations and exploring new opportunities within ENLIGHT.

The plenary meetings brought together university board members, lecturers and researchers from both universities. In individual meetings, they expanded their discussions and explored partnerships in research, teaching and future exchange agreements.

Existing partnerships include the “Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (ReD Global)” Master programme, coordinated by Professor Lautaro Roig Lanzillotta from the University of Groningen, with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Bern as an associated partner.

Raingard Esser, Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Groningen works with Tobias Hodel, Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities at the University of Bern teaching the summer school “Things That Matter, Material and Culture in/for the Digital Age”. The project also involves the Universities of Durham, Tübingen and Uppsala.

Albert Hafner, Professor in Archaeology at the University of Bern, and Marco Hostettler, PhD candidate at the University of Bern, are currently developing an online course entitled “Deep History of Food” in collaboration with the Universities of the Basque Country, Groningen and Uppsala.

Student representatives from the University of Bern offered valuable insights into the Student Council’s role and student life in Bern. Additionally, there were in-depth discussions on the Swiss Higher Education System, giving the Groningen delegation a deeper understanding of the academic landscape in Switzerland.

ENLIGHT presents exciting opportunities to cooperate in areas such as challenge-based education, citizen science and staff development. Looking ahead, the University of Bern will host a delegation from the University of Uppsala and the Communications Coordination Team (CCT) in March. From 27 to 29 November 2024, the General meeting will take place in Bern. For the newest member university, this will be a wonderful opportunity to host the entire ENLIGHT community.

_{Text: Caspar Bienek
Images: Caspar Bienek}