The University of Namur and UCLouvain are creating AULNE, the “Alliance universitaire Louvain Namur ensemble”. An agreement to this effect was signed on 28 September 2023 by Annick Castiaux, Rector of UNamur, and Vincent Blondel, Rector of UCLouvain.
The aim of the AULNE Alliance is to combine the strengths of the two institutions in teaching and research, in a context of closed envelope funding for higher education. The alliance's ambition is also to play a part in defending a university model that both institutions support, and the shared values that drive them: attention to the individual, a demand for quality and a vigilance for open-mindedness.
The wish of the two universities, independent and complementary, is to intensify and extend their collaboration, and to develop together a common vision of the university of tomorrow.
This rapprochement is the logical extension of a shared culture and past, as demonstrated by the many existing collaborations in teaching (co-diplomas in a wide range of fields, including economics, biology, pharmacy and general medicine) and research (research consortia in archaeology, space, water and ageing). The alliance is being built on these solid foundations.
In practical terms, AULNE aims to establish ongoing dialogue and synergies around research and teaching. Some examples:
- Coordination of applications for future accreditation
- Collaboration on the recruitment of academics and the allocation of vacant courses
- Dynamic research collaboration
Further developments of this alliance may be envisaged in the near future.
"This alliance is a real opportunity in terms of teaching and research for our two institutions, giving them new openings and greater synergies," enthuses Vincent Blondel, Rector of UCLouvain. And Annick Castiaux, Rector of UNamur, adds: "Two of us are stronger than one, so the idea is to increase collaboration and strengthen our levers for the benefit of all our staff and students".
AULNE means "alder" in English, is a deep-rooted, fast-growing tree.