Following the response from the European Commission on 28 June 2024 that the ATHENA European University had been awarded the “Seal of Excellence”, the alliance coordinators decided to meet in Orléans on 11 & 12 July 2024 to discuss the future of ATHENA and the actions to be continued and implemented.
Day One: Solid Foundations for a New Impetus
The two days of discussions began with words of welcome from the President of the University of Orléans, Eric Blond, underlining the importance of these meetings for the future of the project.
The conclusions of the first phase of ATHENA were presented, offering a comprehensive review of the achievements and challenges encountered to date. This retrospective enabled participants to reflect on the successes achieved and draw lessons for future stages.
This was followed by a presentation of the new project structure and objectives by the editorial team. This session was essential for defining the new directions and clarifying the ambitions for the next phase of the project.
This was followed by a discussion on the organisation, covering the resources available, the feasibility of the project, responses to European and national calls for proposals, and requests for additional resources from local and national authorities. This session, which focused on practical and logistical aspects, laid a solid foundation for future developments.
The afternoon was devoted to brainstorming on ATHENA’s new structure. Committee members explored ideas on how to use the ‘Seal of Excellence’ to maximise the project’s impact. This collaborative session generated many innovative ideas and diverse perspectives. Open discussions then allowed participants to explore certain points in greater depth and share their thoughts .The day concluded with a summary of ATHENA’s structure, consolidating the discussions and decisions taken throughout the day.
Day Two: Towards Effective Organisation
The second day began with a session dedicated to the new working group approach. Discussions focused on the people involved, the main actions to be undertaken, such as joint degrees and research hubs, as well as specific projects. Particular emphasis was placed on appropriate timetables and priorities for the first half of the year, enabling clear objectives and concrete milestones to be defined.
The afternoon was devoted to governance and organisation. This session explored the management structures needed to support ATHENA’s initiatives, ensuring effective coordination and a fair distribution of responsibilities.
Conclusion
The two-day meeting of the ATHENA European University Steering Committee was marked by intense collaboration and a common desire to advance the project’s objectives. The participants not only shared their knowledge and experience, but also developed innovative strategies for the future. These meetings have strengthened the foundations of the university and paved the way for a phase of continued growth and success.
