French Ambassador visits campus
30 October 2009
The French Ambassador in Australia, His Excellency Michel Filhol has visited the University of Sydney to discuss research linkages with French research bodies, student exchanges, and strategies to increase collaborations with French research clusters.
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French Ambassador in Australia, His Excellency Michel Filhol at the University's roundtable session to discuss current research collaborations between France and Sydney. |
The Ambassador met with Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and attended a roundtable session focusing on current research engagements across the science disciplines. This roundtable session was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Jill Trewhella and for the humanities by the Chair of the Department of History, Professor Robert Aldrich.
This was the French Ambassador's first visit to the University and he was keen to hear from academics about their research expertise and experiences working with French colleagues on research projects.
The Ambassador was accompanied in his visit by the French Embassy's Higher Education Attaché, Béatrice Chassaing, and Scientific Attaché, Dr Kaddour Raissi who were also interested in receiving feedback on how they could further develop research partnerships.
The recent signing of the student internship agreement between Embassy of France that enables students to intern with French companies was a point of interest for many of the participants who discussed how to broaden the scheme to incorporate other faculty areas such as French language students.
"The visit to campus of His Excellency Michel Filhol continues the International Portfolio's impetus to consolidate and expand French research partnerships," said International Development Manager for Europe, Sandra Margon.
"In 2009 this included a senior academic delegation led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International, Professor John Hearn, who hosted a joint symposium with INRA, the French National Institute for Agricultural Research in Paris. Additionally, a successful Paris alumni reception was organised by Alumni Relations and hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Dr Michael Spence."
"In the coming weeks I will work with the Higher Education Attaché and Scientific Attaché to organise themed research sessions based on specific French research clusters where University of Sydney academics could make a substantial contribution," said Sandra.
Contact: Sandra Margon
Phone: 02 9351 8994