Convening in Toulouse ahead of the international EAIE 2024 conference, Universities Canada and France Universités signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the two countries’ higher education sectors and communities.  

“The partnerships and insights gained through this agreement will help Canadian universities collaborate across Europe to tackle some of the biggest global challenges we face – whether it’s housing, productivity or social inequality,” said Gabriel Miller, president and CEO of Universities Canada.  

“The agreement focusses on facilitating increased dialogue between French and Canadian universities to nourish the discussions around internationalisation of education and research, with a special focus on student mobility, collaboration in research and security of science,” a spokesperson for France Universités told The PIE News.

The new partnership was established after Canada was included as an associate partner of the Horizon Europe research program for 2021-2027, which is the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation with a budget of €93.5 billion over six years.

Canada joined Horizon Europe in July 2024, alongside 18 other non-EU countries involved in the program.

“Strengthening the existing ties between our institutions through this MoU will lead to incredible joint research projects that address current and future challenges, and to beneficial university collaborations for students and researchers.

“Sharing our respective knowledge will have a positive impact in all areas, from education to research and innovation,” said Guillaume Gellé, president of France Universités.  

Sharing our respective knowledge will have a positive impact in all areas, from education to research and innovation

Guillaume Gellé, France Universités

Canada’s acceptance to Pillar II of Horizon Europe means that Canadian entities can now join and lead research consortia with existing members, with the opportunity to be funded by the program, as well as contributing to Horizon’s budget.  

Canadian entities currently participate in 155 Horizon projects and have received over €6m in funding.  

“Canada’s association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe offers an invaluable opportunity to expand international research partnerships, fostering Canadian expertise while addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. 

“Through this MoU, we aim to deepen co-operation and connect Canadian researchers with experienced Pillar II applicants across Europe, driving impactful research and innovation on a global scale,” a Universities Canada spokesperson told The PIE.