I recently embarked on a research visit to the University of Liverpool with Professor Tomasz Wiślicz, funded by NAWA STER NextGenPhDs.
Our visit was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of Professor Harald Braun. It aimed to broaden the understanding and involvement in internationalization efforts of Anthropos Doctoral School with the University of Liverpool. The visit was packed with encounters that were as insightful as they were diverse, reflecting the University’s commitment to global engagement.
The visit began with an important meeting with Professor Tariq Ali, the new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships. Known for his visionary approach to fostering international collaborations, Professor Ali shared his insights on the University’s goals and expectations for future partnerships. This initial conversation set a promising tone for the rest of the visit and underlined the shared ambitions and potential for joint ventures.
We then met with Professor Georgina Endfield, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Environment and Postgraduate Research, and Steve Bickerstaffe, Head of the Liverpool Doctoral College. Our conversation focused on improving the research environment and providing better support for PhD students, reflecting a shared commitment to academic excellence and the development of young researchers.
The afternoon was spent in conversation with members of the School of Histories, Languages, and Cultures. These included Mary Booth, Program Manager of the Center for the Study of International Slavery, and Roland Clark, a historian specializing in European fascism. The aim of these discussions was to identify opportunities for collaborative research and to integrate a variety of historical and cultural perspectives.
The following day, I had a much-anticipated meeting with Dr. Ama Biney, an expert in Black History. This session provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of Black History in the context of historical research and international academic collaboration, providing rich insights and fostering deeper understanding.
Later, the University of Liverpool’s Horizon Europe team gave a comprehensive overview of their expectations and framework for international research collaborations under the Horizon Europe funding programme. The focus was on exploring potential projects within the five pillars of the programme to secure funding and support for joint initiatives to drive innovation and research excellence.
The day concluded with a discussion with Professor Mitsilegas Valsamis, Dean of the School of Law and Social Justice. He outlined the university’s strategy to engage postgraduate and doctoral students in its global engagement and partnerships and emphasized its crucial role in fostering international academic links.
During our visit, Professor Tomasz Wiślicz and I had stimulating conversations with a range of academic leaders at the University of Liverpool. These discussions not only highlighted the potential for future collaborations, but also reaffirmed the importance of internationalization in promoting research and academic excellence. The visit was a testament to the dynamic and far-reaching opportunities that arise when institutions come together with a shared vision for the future.
Special thanks go to Professor Harald Braun for organizing this impressive visit. His efforts ensured that the meetings were fruitful and the discussions highlighted the many opportunities for international cooperation.
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