TUIASI Strengthening European University Alliances
From 12 to 16 May 2025, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) proudly participated in the first-ever Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) hosted by the University of Rouen Normandy (URN). This key event gathered delegations from 11 European universities and alliances, including the INGENIUM Alliance, of which TUIASI is an active member, to discuss the future of European university alliances focusing on mobility, governance, inclusion, and sustainability.
Participating alliances included:
EUTOPIA, Arqus European University Alliance, ECIU, YUFE Alliance, EULiST European University, EU4DUAL – The European Dual Studies University, EUPeace – European University, UNIgreen, OpenEU, and EUNICoast – The European University of islands, ports and coastal territories.
Our Delegation: Driving Innovation in Internationalization and Mobility
The TUIASI delegation included Erasmus+ coordinators and internationalization experts from various faculties:
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Ana-Maria Soican – Erasmus Institutional Coordinator & Head of International Relations Office
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Ioana Grajdeanu – Marketing Specialist, International Relations Office
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Mirela Blaga – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management
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Adriana Bujor – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Department of Engineering & Management
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Nicanor Cimpoeșu – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering
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Petre-Daniel Matasaru – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications & IT
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Marius Telisca – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Hydrotechnical Engineering, Geodesy & Environmental Engineering
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Daniela Gavrilescu – Erasmus Faculty Coordinator, Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Environmental Protection
This multidisciplinary team actively contributed to workshops and collaborative discussions.
Advancing Mobility, Inclusion, and Intercultural Exchange through Targeted Workshops
Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI), as a proud member of the INGENIUM alliance, participated in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organized by the University of Rouen Normandy, bringing together 11 European universities and alliances to share expertise and foster collaboration.
The programme’s interactive workshops served as pivotal platforms for TUIASI’s delegation to exchange best practices and discuss strategic challenges across key themes:
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Challenges and Opportunities within European Alliances: Led by Olivia Hassinger (ECIU & University of Twente), this workshop enabled participants to openly discuss obstacles and successful approaches, enriching TUIASI’s understanding of alliance dynamics and cooperation frameworks.
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Boosting Student and Staff Mobility: Workshops dedicated to enhancing mobility addressed practical strategies to increase participation in Erasmus+ and other international exchange programmes, crucial for TUIASI’s ongoing internationalization goals.
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Inclusive Universities and Inclusive Mobilities: Presented by Lisa Riedel (Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences), this session emphasized policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access to mobility opportunities, directly supporting TUIASI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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INGENIUM Diversity Week Session on Intercultural Communication: This module provided theoretical insights and practical exercises to strengthen intercultural competencies, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among European university communities.
Additionally, the interactive language workshop “Dis-moi dix mots” tested and enhanced participants’ French language skills, further promoting intercultural communication—a vital asset for TUIASI’s expanding European partnerships.
Strengthening TUIASI’s Role Within the INGENIUM Alliance and Beyond
The programme reinforced TUIASI’s strategic positioning within the INGENIUM Alliance and the broader European Universities Initiative, advancing our mission to promote mobility, sustainability, and inclusive governance within European higher education.
Enriching Cultural Engagement to Foster European Collaboration
Complementing the academic programme, cultural activities played a key role in building rapport and intercultural awareness:
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A cultural painting workshop facilitated by local artist Bénédicte Carpentier offered participants an expressive platform to engage creatively, strengthening interpersonal bonds beyond formal discussions.
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The delegation also took part in cultural excursions in downtown Rouen, notably visiting the Joan of Arc Museum. This experience deepened their appreciation for Normandy’s rich heritage and highlighted the value of cultural immersion in fostering a shared European identity.
Commitment to the Future of European Higher Education
TUIASI’s participation in the University of Rouen Normandy BIP underscores our commitment to strengthening European university alliances through innovation, collaboration, and shared values of mobility, inclusion, and sustainability. Together with partners from EUTOPIA, Arqus, ECIU, YUFE, EULiST, EU4DUAL, EUPeace, UNIgreen, OpenEU, and EUNICoast, we contribute to shaping a resilient and inclusive future for European higher education.
