The Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) program plays a crucial role in strengthening the capacities of universities in partner countries, including Tunisia. With the support of CBHE, the DIRASA project aims to transform the governance system of research in Tunisia, promoting a sustainable and internationally competitive model. Scientific research is, in fact, an essential driver for the development of any nation, and DIRASA represents a strategic opportunity for the future of Tunisian research.
During the recent mid-term meeting held in Rome on November 5-6, 2024, the project partners highlighted significant milestones achieved by DIRASA and discussed strategic priorities for the upcoming months.
One of the main focuses was on strengthening the skills of Tunisian universities through a series of training activities in collaboration with European partners. These interventions resulted in workshop addressed to faculty, administrative, and managerial staff, with a practical approach that included methodologies to improve research management, ethics, the valorisation of results, and access to European research funds.
Before the workshops in Tunisia, the DIRASA project published a Report on the governance of scientific research in Tunisia, offering a detailed analysis of the system and comparing it with European experiences. The report includes a review of the main sources of documentation, the results of a self-assessment questionnaire distributed to the Tunisian partner universities, and feedback from focus groups and interviews with research governance officials. The analysis focuses on four main areas: organization, democracy, coherence, and effectiveness of research. The information gathered has guided the design of training activities.
Thanks to the workshops in Tunisia and an intensive week of training in Italy, participants have been able to acquire and apply new strategies. These benefits were then transferred to local contexts through staff training courses at Tunisian universities, the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the National Agency for Research Promotion in Tunisia, ensuring that the acquired skills extend to a broader audience.
Another important outcome will be the strengthening of the universities’ capacities in strategic intelligence and scientific foresight. Recent study visits in Italy, at the universities of Pavia and Pisa, provided Tunisian partners with a unique opportunity to learn best practices in research resource management and international cooperation—skills essential for creating a more efficient, innovative, and internationally integrated research system. Additionally, the development of an Objectives and Performance Contract has been initiated—a framework that will help universities better define their objectives and measure outcomes, ensuring more targeted and efficient resource management.
The international promotion of Tunisian research is another key goal of DIRASA. In this regard, the University of Gabès will host in 2025 a training program focused on research publication and visibility. This initiative aims to facilitate collaborations with the local socioeconomic environment and national and international scientific communities, enhancing the visibility and impact potential of Tunisian research institutions.
A key role in disseminating these results is played by CESIE, the project partner responsible for communication activities. As CESIE, we have developed a well-structured communication strategy designed to make DIRASA’s results and initiatives accessible to global and local audiences. In addition to managing the project’s social media and website, we are responsible for producing promotional and information materials, such as brochures and newsletters, that facilitate the sharing of results. In this way, we ensure constant visibility of the project and effective communication of its progress.
The Rome meeting highlighted the significant commitment of the partners in overcoming challenges and pursuing the objectives of the DIRASA project. The results achieved so far demonstrate that, through collaboration and knowledge exchange, ambitious goals can be achieved. The Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) program, with its strategic and financial support, is enabling Tunisian universities to transform their research system, making it more resilient and autonomous.
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About the project
DIRASA – Définition d’un renouvellement de la gouvernance de la recherche en Tunisie is a project funded within the Erasmus+, Capacity Building in the field of higher education. Capacity-building projects in the field of higher education are transnational cooperation projects based on multilateral partnerships, between Higher Education Institutions and organisations from EU Member states or countries associated to the Programme and third countries not associated to the Programme.
Partners
- Sfax University (Tunisia, coordinator)
- Université de Tunis (Tunisia)
- Université de Tunis El Manar (Tunisia)
- Carthage University (Tunisia)
- University of Sousse (Tunisia)
- Université de Gabes (Tunisia)
- Université de la Manouba (Tunisia)
- University of Monastir (Tunisia)
- Université Virtuelle de Tunis (Tunisia)
- University of Kairouan (Tunisia)
- Université de Gafsa (Tunisia)
- Université of Jendouba (Tunisia)
- Université Ez-Zitouna (Tunisia)
- Ministry of Higher Education And Scientific Research (Tunisia)
- Agence Nationale de la Promotion de la Recherche Scientifique (Tunisia)
- UNIMED – Unione delle Università del Mediterraneo (Italia)
- Università di Pisa (Italy)
- Università degli Studi di Pavia (Italy)
- CESIE (Italy)
- Université de Rouen Normandie (France)
For further information
Read more about DIRASA,visit https://dirasa.eu/ and follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Contact Alessia Valenti: alessia.valenti@cesie.org
