Membership of UoM in the family of European universities is a turning point for the country and society
Podgorica, PR press service – Membership in the family of European universities marks a new phase in the development of the University of Montenegro and will undoubtedly significantly enhance the quality of higher education, stated the Rector, Vladimir Božović, at a meeting of partner organizations on the occasion of the beginning of the second phase of the development of the Ulysseus network.
The University of Montenegro hosted the inaugural meeting of the prestigious European University Ulysseus, bringing together rectors and high representatives of 8 partner institutions: the University of Seville, the University of Côte dAzur in Nice, the University of Genoa, the Technical University of Košice, the Hague-Helia University in Helsinki, MCI Innsbruck, the University of Münster, and the University of Montenegro. Opening the meeting, Božović emphasized that the integration of the Montenegrin University into Ulisseus marks a crucial turning point for the country and society.
"I am confident that membership in this network will bring significant benefits and open new opportunities for the internationalization and improvement of study, research, and academic processes at the University of Montenegro. Ulysseus will bring out the best in us, motivating us to enhance the quality of higher education, create opportunities for the academic and professional development of our students, staff, programs, and faculties, thereby achieving a long-term impact on society. Ulysseus will present numerous opportunities for mobility, networking, joint projects, and exchanges on a wide range of academic topics for our students and lecturers. The offerings of partner universities will be available not only to our students and employees but also to the wider public. In this context, the University of Montenegro, as part of the European University Ulysseus, truly opens itself to citizens and the public," said Božović.
He expressed great satisfaction that the University of Montenegro has become part of the family of European universities, especially coming from a country that is not a member of the European Union.
"By becoming part of such a community, we elevate the overall quality of our work and expand the spectrum of possibilities. Membership in this network, for our university and the entire country, represents an immeasurable success and a great development opportunity," added Božović.
He announced that, within the network, an innovation hub focused on cybersecurity will be established at the University of Montenegro.
"We will try to create a hub of expertise, talent, and innovative solutions in this highly competitive field. I expect significant benefits from this project in the coming years," said Božović.
Michael Quandt, the Vice-Rector of the University of Münster, emphasized their satisfaction with being part of the Ulysseus project.
"We entered into this project, and I believe we will stay in it. We will do everything necessary in terms of financing and everything else because Europe needs projects like this more than ever. Science is the source of democracy," emphasized Quandt.
He mentioned that in Münster, they have excellent conditions for learning and constantly make efforts to improve.
"Our idea is to integrate research and teaching as soon as possible to make use of innovative, high-quality resources in the field of research and to involve students in research early on, turning them into scientists," said Quandt.
The Rector of the University of Seville, Miguel Ángel Castro, stated that the Ulysseus network represents strength and unity, emphasizing that Europe and the world are facing significant challenges that highlight the importance of European values, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
"Ulysseus, the European University, is dedicated precisely to these values, and I believe that education, research, and innovation are fundamental pillars of these values. Therefore, Ulysseus condemns any form of violence, military aggression, and loss of human lives," said Castro.
He believes that universities will be united in the mission to provide innovation and research in the service of society to tackle the challenges of green digital transition and to ensure Europes capacity to drive technology-based economic growth.
"Europe needs interconnected, excellent higher education institutions. Ulysseus is our alliance precisely to strengthen this European dimension while contributing to sustainable development goals," added Castro.
The Vice-Rector for Internationalization of the University of Montenegro, Sanja Peković, introduced the University of Montenegro as a new member of the European University and emphasized that by joining this network, they are giving impetus to the development of an innovative, responsible, and sustainable knowledge-based society.
"Convinced that our efforts to enhance higher education are our commitment to the new generations and our legacy for the future, we open the doors to the Ulysseus family, hoping that you will recognize our dedication and desire to contribute to the development of the European University," announced Peković.
The General Coordinator of Ulysseus, Carmen Vargas, emphasized her great pleasure in welcoming the University of Montenegro as a new member of the Ulysseus network. She mentioned that this membership will pave the way for the University of Montenegro to become a European University.
"Ulysseus is now entering its second phase. The first phase involved numerous plans and preparations, and now we want to intensify activities, consolidate our pilots in terms of joint programs. We have accredited eight joint masters and doctoral programs, one for each innovation hub and in the field of research. We have to work a lot on the diversity of quality and inclusiveness," conveyed Vargas.