Highlights on the Panel Discussion University of Groningen, Groningen on 25 April 2022

The Enlight European Universities Panel Discussion held on 25 April 2022 in Groningen was the launch event of a series on European Universities organized by the Institut français des Pays-Bas in the framework of the French EU Presidency, and in cooperation with Leiden, European City of Science.

The panel took place in the renown Senaatskamer in the Academy building. The event was a joint effort by the French Embassy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the University of Groningen. The theme of the discussion followed from the question: How can European universities help address global challenges?

The discussion began with the panel chair, Mervin Bakker, Director of International Strategy and Relations at the University of Groningen, offering a cordial introduction to the panel members. Members of the panel represented a diverse group of academics and experts in the fields of health, higher education, and law. Among them were Prof. dr. Robert Wagenaar, Prof.mr.dr. Brigitte Toebes, dr. Adriana Perez Fortis, Carle Bonafous-Murat, Mathieu Musquin, and Tessa Klimp. Participants of the flagship Global Engagement Module were also present in the audience.

The event had the honor and pleasure of introducing University of Groningen Rector Magnificus Cisca Wijmenga who opened with a welcoming speech about the importance of ENLIGHT and the European Universities project.

Following this panelist addressed the first point of discussion about how institutions can be formed in a way where universities can really contribute.

Among other discussion points, panelists also addressed the role of students in the implementation of the ENLIGHT agenda and the ambitious prospect of how research expertise could take part in the project. Questions such as: “How could the European Commission help Universities to cope with European challenges?” were points of great conversation that sparked debate among panelists.

Special guest Mathieu Musquin from the French Embassy also joined the discussion online from Paris to provide a keynote speech.

The panel was then closed by panel chair Mervin Bakker who summarized the key points of the discussion. After which, audience members and speakers alike were treated to a pleasant reception with drinks and snacks in the alluring Spiegelzaal. Participants of the GEM mingled and shared their experiences with ENLIGHT team members and panelists.