The relationship between the University of Debrecen and the Netherlands dates back centuries, back to the era of the Reformation and the time of the famous Debrecen peregrination.
At the meeting, Jenei Attila, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, noted that the relationship rooted in the common Reformed traditions and centuries-old academic exchange relationships is still dominant among the institution’s international partnerships. He pointed out that contrary to the changes in the mobility programmes, the relationship between the University of Debrecen and the foreign universities - such as the Dutch institutions - has been still intensive and successful.
- All of us face the same questions: artificial intelligence, safety or climate change which is one of the most important things for me, since our children inherit a planet we have massively destroyed. These questions require cooperation where we need Hungary, its universities and researchers - said Willem van Ee, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Hungary.
According to the Dutch diplomat, consultations, joint work and the exchange programme all contribute to the reinforcement of the relationship between Hungary and Europe. He said, continuity gives stability in this very exciting period.
Willem van Ee added: language is more than communication. He pointed out that due to the dominance of English, the Netherlands makes many efforts to preserve its native language. For this very reason, he is particularly pleased with the work of the Department of Dutch Studies of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Debrecen.
Jánosy Orsolya, the head of the Centre for International Relations of the University of Debrecen introduced among others the English language training system and the mobility and partner network of the institution, together with the university’s activity performed in the international research networks.
- Researchers of our institution has been collaborating for years in the research group CARPE (Consortium on Applied Research and Professional Education) with the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and in the programme NeurotechEU (European University of Brain and Technology) with the Radboud University. In the most recent cycle of mobility programs, more young people won support to continue their studies at the world’s top 250 universities including the University Rotterdam, the Leiden University, the University of Amsterdam and the Wageningen University, noted Jánosy Orsolya.
The participants of the meeting expressed their hope that the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ and Horizon programmes are going to open up soon again for the students and researchers of the University of Debrecen. After the meeting, Willem van Ee took part in the annual conference of Hungarian Nederlandists, the Studiedag, organised in the University of Debrecen.
Press Centre – ÉE