Visit French Ambassador

On 27 January 2023, H.E. Francois Alabrune, ambassador of France in the Netherlands came for an introductory visit to Groningen. It was his first trip to the North of the Netherlands. He was welcomed by president Jouke de Vries, the staff of Institute Français NL at Groningen. Prof.dr.  Daniel Boer, scientific director of Van Swinderen Institute gave an exposé about the scientific collaboration with France from his institute and field of expertise. Several cotutelle du these PhD candidates just completed or are working on their research project in conjunction with Université Paris Saclay. Prof.dr. Rampal Etienne from GELIFES  elaborated on his French connections, among others the setting up of a  cotutelle project with Université Toulouse. Prof. Etienne was KNAW Huygens-Decartes Prize Winner in 2020.

Special attention was drawn by the cultural affairs attaché to the study and research grants made available by the French government.  On 16^th November 2023 the Erasmus – Descarte conference 2023 is scheduled focusing on Quantum Engineering. An impression of the previous edition of this conference can be found here.

Next to the visit to our University, the Ambassador met with the Lord Mayor of the City of Groningen, the commissioners of the King from Groningen, Board of Hanzehogeschool, Director of Groningen Airport Eelde, politicians and CEO’s of industries. The energy transition was the main topic of discussion.