Strategic partnership with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

From 27 February to 1 March, the Rector of the University of Groningen prof Elmer Sterken led a delegation visit of seven Groningen researchers to strategic partner Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). At the occasion, Elmer Sterken and rector Enrique Graue of UNAM signed an agreement that allows for the co-supervision of doctoral students leading to a double degree. The Joint Doctoral Program may include any academic field offered by both universities.

Moreover, UG will open an office at the UNAM campus, an opportunity that UNAM offers to selected institutions. The office aims to further foster opportunities for mobility and collaboration for both students and staff.

Rector Graue confirmed the importance of strengthening the relationships between Mexico and Europe, particularly also considering recent developments in the United States.

Since 2010, UNAM and Groningen have actively developed a multi-level cooperation scheme that includes student exchange, research cooperation, co-supervision of students, and joint participation in different EU-funded projects.

The Faculty of Medicine of UNAM and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) have played a central role in the establishment of the UNAM-Groningen strategic partnership, which has evolved to also include social sciences, humanities, and science & engineering.

The delegation visiting UNAM included representatives from the faculties of Arts, Behavioural & Social Sciences, Science & Engineering, Theology & Religious Studies and UMCG.

Over the course of the next few weeks, detailed information about the practical implementation and requirements for participation in the double degree PhD scheme will become available.