The University of Tours, in France, joins the consortium of young European universities NEOLAiA, coordinated by the University of Jaén, which also includes the University of Ostrava (Czech Republic), Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania), the University of Bielefeld (Germany), the State University of Siauliai (Lithuania), the University of Orebro (Sweden) and the University of Salerno (Italy).

This university, like all the consortium members, meets the requirements of being a ‘young’ institution (created in 1971), which has a strong connection with its social and economic environment and is located in a medium-sized city. Its main lines of research are directly related to the main interests of NEOLAiA and strengthens the geographical balance of the consortium. Regarding its activity in the consortium, it will be in charge of the work package called ‘Extra-Curricular Program’, together with the co-coordination of UJA, which is also responsible for the work package ‘General Management and Coordination’.

In this way, this consortium is now made up of a total of 8 young European universities, of medium or small size, which are committed to their social and economic environment and with a preponderant position in rankings, particularly those that analyze the positioning of young universities, such as ‘THE Young Universities’. In total, these eight universities have more than 142,000 students and more than 10,000 international mobility students.

On the other hand, the NEOLAiA consortium held its monthly meeting on October 19, specifically on the ‘Sustainability and Dissemination’ work package, coordinated by Siauliai State University. At this meeting, in addition to accepting the entry of the University of Tours to the consortium, it was agreed that, if favorable for the geographical balance and quality of the consortium, the option of a ninth member to be determined is open. 

Mobility issues were also discussed and the latest version of Focus Academy was presented, courses that will start in online mode during the second semester of this academic year and will be presented soon. The next meeting will be held in Rome and Salerno in November and will be coordinated by the University of Salerno.