The first week of September marked a significant milestone as we welcomed the very first cohort of students for the GREENANO Erasmus Mundus Master!
This highly competitive program brought together 25 exceptional students from 17 different countries out of a total of 357 applicants. The students hail from Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Poland, Pakistan, Vietnam, Egypt, Serbia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, the Philippines, Ecuador, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Syria. Together, they form a truly global community, ready to tackle the cutting-edge challenges in the field of nanotechnology and sustainability.
The GREENANO Welcome Week offered a dynamic blend of academic introductions, cultural integration activities, and networking opportunities with faculty, industry experts, and peers.
Day 1 – Welcome and Orientation:
The week began with a warm welcome from key figures, including Dr. Alexandre Nomine, Programme Director, and representatives from partner institutions: Prof. Claudio Goletti from Tor Vergata University, Prof. Giorgio Contini from the CNR Institute of Structure of Matter, and Dr. Janez Zavasnik from the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School.
Additionally, Rajon Bhuiyan, the Management Board Member & Director of Outreach and Capacity Building Unit of the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), delivered an insightful presentation, highlighting the EMA’s mission to foster connections among students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus programs and build a global network for future leaders.
The students enjoyed a campus tour and icebreaker session, fostering a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Later, they explored the city of Nancy on a guided tour, discovering its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, including the renowned Place Stanislas, offering a glimpse into the charm and history of the city.
Day 2 – Academic and Research Insights:
The second day delved into the academic landscape with a keynote lecture by Dr. Alexandre Nomine, focusing on “The Future of Nanotechnology and Sustainability.” This was followed by an engaging round table discussion titled “Bridging Academia and Industry: Shaping Curriculum for Your Real-World Success.” Moderated by Prof. Giorgio Contini from the CNR Institute of Structure of Matter, the session brought together esteemed industry experts and academics to emphasize the importance of aligning academic curricula with real-world applications.
The speakers included Rajarshi Rakesh Sahai, Venture Partner at Mobility Fund and Managing Director at RJB Renewable Holdings B.V. in the Netherlands; Dominique Chiaroni, an expert in Optical Networking at Nokia Bell Labs and Vice-Chair of the International Light Communication Alliance in France; and Dr. Janez Zavasnik, Associate Researcher at the Jozef Stefan Institute and External Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials.
The round table aimed to not only bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands but also inspire the younger generation of scientists and engineers. By showcasing how nanotechnology can drive sustainable innovation, the speakers highlighted the importance of preparing students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in real-world environments.
In the afternoon, students participated in two interactive workshops moderated by professors from all partner universities. These workshops introduced them to key concepts in solid-state physics and nanoscience, laying a strong academic foundation for the semester ahead.
Day 3 – Cultural Integration and Student Support:
The third day was dedicated to student support services, helping students navigate their stay at the University of Lorraine. From guidance on visas to introductions to student associations, the day ensured that every student felt well-prepared to integrate into their new academic and social environment.
Day 4 – Hiking in the Vosges Mountains:
The week ended on a high note with a hiking trip in the Vosges Mountains. Students took in the stunning natural beauty and enjoyed a relaxed day of bonding with their peers. The day concluded with a visit to the famous Confiserie des Vosges, adding a sweet and memorable touch to the conclusion of the week’s activities.
The GREENANO Welcome Week has set an exciting and positive tone for the students’ academic and personal journeys. With semesters ahead in Italy and Slovenia, this Erasmus Mundus Master’s program promises to deliver not only academic excellence but also a unique cultural experience, broadening the perspectives of each student.
To learn more about the GREENANO program and stay updated on the upcoming application round, which will open soon, follow us on LinkedIn and keep an eye out for updates on the program’s website.
