University for Europe: Passau meets Lyon

The University of Passau and the renowned Institut National des Sciences Appliqués de Lyon are taking the next steps towards the 'University for Europe'. From 18 to 21 September, representatives of the University and the AlumniClub are visiting INSA Lyon and key figures in the digital economy of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Alumni congress participants with University President, Carola Jungwirth (centre), Vice President Harald Kosch (7th from the left), Dr Marie-Pierre Favre, Vice President for International Affairs of INSA Lyon (3rd from the right) and Doreen Mueller Murr, Managing Director of the AlumniClub of the University of Passau (leftmost). Photograph: Cheney/University of Passau

Over the coming years, the University of Passau will become one of the leading centres for basic research on the societal effects of digitalisation and is actively committed to a 'University for Europe', as envisaged by French president, Emmanuel Macron. 'For this we need European partners from science and industry', said University President, Professor Carola Jungwirth. 'That's why we are further strengthening our cooperation with INSA Lyon on research and teaching.'

For more than a decade, the University of Passau has maintained a fruitful relationship with INSA Lyon. A Franco-German double master's programme and a doctoral programme are currently open to students and early career researchers. In addition, joint research projects – especially in the field of computer science – are on their way to strengthening Passau's thematic focus on Digitalisation, Networked Society and (Internet) Cultures. From October 2019 onwards, scientists from Passau will collaborate with INSA Lyon on the 'Fit Europe' project.

In addition, Passau and the economy in the Lyon region are linked by a vibrant transfer of knowledge and technology. Key partners include Worldline, a leader in data protection, and the La French Tech One start-up incubator for businesses in the digital economy.

Carola Jungwirth said: 'Lyon is a key partner in the field of digitalisation. The presence of Acting President, Dr Marie-Christine Baietto, Vice President for International Affairs, Professor Damien Fabrègue, and Dr Marie Pierre Favre of INSA Lyon, as well as Vice-President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and Director of International Relations, Juliette Jarry, and the German Consul General in Lyon, Max Maldacker, reflects the importance of Franco-German cooperation in the field of digital development. I am highly confident that we will continue to make great progress here.'

Professor Jungwirth is accompanied by Vice President for Academic Infrastructure and IT Facilities, Professor Harald Kosch, as well as alumni and academic staff of the University of Passau. The visit coincides with the 3rd Alumni Congress 'Passau meets Lyon'. The AlumniClub annually organises a meeting in a European city to maintain the university's network and to provide its members with insights into a specific economic sector.

The future of the University of Passau lies in its further Europeanisation and internationalisation: 'The excellence of our research, how well we advance our early career researchers and the quality of our teaching depend directly on it', emphasised Professor Carola Jungwirth. 'I am therefore very pleased that the cooperation between the University of Passau and INSA Lyon on the way to a joint University for Europe is being promoted by the German Academic Exchange Service in the form of an Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership.'