Study Tour
Paris, Bonn, 20-29 Oct 2019 (WP3)
Terms of reference – July 2019
Context
Improvement to the quality of teaching and research in Water and Natural Resources Management (WNRM) cannot be ensured without a) a high commitment of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the partner countries, b) a high quality of trainers selected from the program countries, c) the ability to provide support (financial and supervision) of young researchers, and d) a balance/good fit between the academic skills taught and the skills needed by the wider economic and social environment.
In order to strengthen these elements among WANASEA’s partners at international level, a Study Tour in Europe has been planned, included in the WP3.
Objectives
The main objective of this Study Tour is to bring international exposure, visibility and experience to WANASEA’s partners. Indeed, if water and natural resources management is a global challenge, the contribution of higher education institutions to all related issues should also be global – knowledge has no boarders. Moreover, research activities and modern teaching related to water and natural resources management can’t be relevant without international input. Consequently, it is essential, for higher education institutions, to be part and to contribute to international networks.
More specifically, the objectives of the Study Tour are consistent with the answers of WANASEA’s partners to our internal survey concerning their expectations:
- Learn about international cooperation opportunities and meet representatives of potential partner institutions;
- Learn of the newest and upcoming scientific methods and approaches related to WNRM through a variety of academic visits;
- Learn about European HEIs in general;
- Meet representatives who are active in the area of WNRM from academy to business and, by doing so, learn and explore their work;
- Discuss to enhance training programs (tools) and to develop research topics.
Profile of participants
High level academic and administrative staff are targeted by this Study Tour. The participants should be able to present, in an international context, a case study about water and natural resources management issues and/or about higher education and research systems in their country. They must therefore master the English language. Moreover, they should have a good knowledge of the challenges faced by higher education institutions and the capacity to use the experience and skills acquired during this Study Tour at the benefit of their home institution.
Criteria of selection
Participants will be designated by WANASEA’s partners focal points according to the expected profile. A Skype interview will be organized with the coordination of WANASEA and the focal point of WP3 (CREED) in order to check their proficiency in English and capacity to interact at international level.
Activities
In order to reach the objectives of the Study Tour, different activities are planned, around Global Development Network’s international conference happening in Bonn (Germany) focused on the topic “Knowledge for Sustainable Development: the Research-Policy Nexus”.
- Institutional visits to WANASEA’s partners and to other institutions.
- Collective training and preparation to the conference.
- Participation to GDN’s International Conference: each participant will present a case study in WANASEA’s dedicated session or in the side event with donors.
- Capacity building workshop on teaching innovation
- Meeting with researchers and representatives of donors
Wanasea’s session at GDN’s conference: Water and Natural Resources Management in South-East Asia
This session will present case studies related to how the knowledge produced by the Academy can/could/don’t influence decision makers in the area of water and natural resources management in South-East Asia, precisely in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Researchers from institutions involved in the Erasmus+ project Wanasea (wanasea.eu) will share their experience, fostering discussions about the complex relationship between the academic sector, and producers of knowledge in general, and public and private decision makers. We wish, in particular, to advance the understanding of how to promote scientific knowledge and rationality in the definition of public policies and collective practices.
Calendar and milestones
Early September: CREED sends a template to the participants for their presentation and first logistic elements
- 30 September: Participants send to CREED their PTT presentation
