The city of Dudelange and the University of Luxembourg signed a collaboration agreement on Thursday 12 July 2018, establishing their cooperation on various fields of research and events.
Both entities were respectively represented by Dan Biancalana, Mayor of Dudelange, and Yves Elsen, President of the Board of Governors of the University, as well as Stéphane Pallage, Rector of the University.
This is the first time in the Grand Duchy that a city signs such an agreement with the University of Luxembourg. In fact, this agreement certifies and strengthens the already existing collaboration between the two institutions and paves the way to explore new ways of collaboration.
De gauche à droite : Yves Elsen, Dan Biancalana et Stéphane Pallage © Ville de Dudelange
Areas of collaboration
Both parties declare their intention to collaborate on research projects, particularly in the fields of:
- history of migration;
- photography and cinema;
- urban development;
- logistics;
- health technologies;
- education;
- culture, especially in the context of the “European Capital of Culture” activities in 2022.
Further areas of interest may be investigated over time.
This collaboration will also extend to activities of effectively opening the University to the society, particularly through public events, or to the reception and training of University students in Dudelange.
In addition, the convention underlines that both parties will study the possibility of extending University residences on Dudelange territory. A model case is the house “Petit” in Rue du Parc, which is currently under repair and will reopen as the “House of researchers”. It will then offer nine subsidised accommodations for researchers and students.
“Today, we seal an existing close friendship,” explains Stéphane Pallage. “I lived in Liège, a city in Belgium which, through its history and industrial setting, resembles Esch-sur-Alzette and the south of Luxembourg. I do feel particularly at home in the south of Luxembourg.”
Finally, the city of Dudelange foresees to actively collaborate in the organisation and promotion of cultural, sports, or scientific events of the University on its territory.
The agreement was signed for an initial period of three years. The city of Dudelange provides a budget of 20,000 euros for the 2019.