The University of Almeria strengthens its link with one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Europe in Biotechnology through a visit to the highest level of representation of the Parisian Higher Institute, representing in turn "a preview of the return to normality", being the first trip of this kind since the emergence of the COVID-19. The rector stressed that this is a very important strategic partner for the UAL in its European University project..

So far it has been a very positive collaborative relationship for both parties, and precisely for this reason it will go further in the alliance with a powerful partner such as Paris SupBioTech. Its highest representative, Vanessa Proux, general director as rector, accompanied by Tania Gidel, director of International Relations of the Parisian institution, will be in Almeria for three days to learn more about the UAL and the business and innovative fabric of the province.

The institutional visit began with a reception in the office of Rector Carmelo Rodriguez, who received them, giving great importance to the gesture of having traveled and the interest in expanding the existing link between both parties: "Undoubtedly, it is a very important strategic partner for the UAL in our European University project, of high international prestige, and with whom there has been an excellent connection from the beginning, a very valuable alliance for the UAL and from which we want to build new horizons of collaboration".

Currently, University of Almeria and Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologies of Paris share different Erasmus KA1 actions, mobility of people, with a dozen of their students who are now studying at the Almeria campus, and Erasmus KA2, cooperation between organizations and institutions. Precisely in the concerted program there is a gap for "an emotional moment," stressed the rector, as is "a meeting with their students moved to the classrooms of the UAL, which we have welcomed for their training with the utmost responsibility and commitment to quality that defines this institution," stressed the rector. In this sense, and as a very remarkable fact, Rodriguez has put in value "that we can make a visit, that our meeting is face to face and meet in person, after too long without being able to make trips or have the opportunity to develop this type of action that both promotes links". This is "a clear advance towards post-pandemia".

Together with the rector, and as cicerones both in the university facilities themselves and in the other appointments scheduled during his stay in Almeria, since there will also be the opportunity to get to know the surroundings, the vice-rector for Internationalization, Julian Cuevas, and the director of Internationalization Strategy, within the same vice-rectorate, Tomas Lorenzana, have been key. Far from remaining a protocol greeting, Carmelo Rodríguez took the opportunity to praise Paris SupBioTech as "an international reference center in Biotechnology, a field in which the University of Almeria is gaining more and more weight precisely thanks to collaborations such as the one we are consolidating today with personal ties that until now had not been possible to strengthen. The rector has shown great confidence in the fruits that "this Almeria-Paris corridor of knowledge and transfer will provide to both institutions".

Julián Cuevas pointed out that, in addition to the mobility agreements already in place, "not only for students, but also for personnel", there will be other avenues that "are already being explored". Going further, the vice-rector revealed that "we are right now discussing a double degree for the Faculty of Experimental Sciences". In fact, the succession of appointments and the Campus Tour included a meeting with the heads of this Faculty and of the Biotechnology studies. With a tight program, the direct contact with those responsible for research and internationalization will serve to "forge greater confidence, through proximity and direct, human treatment, delighted that there is the complement of a visit to different facilities of the UAL to feel what it means to work and study in our environment". Cuevas added that there will be more actions of union very soon, since "it is very possible that they will send their students to the Study Abroad courses that we develop in July".

In short, being a "relatively recent" partner, it will be especially beneficial that this meeting has taken place, and a source of pride for the UAL, being the Paris SupBioTech "one of the higher education institutions of reference in France in the field of Biotechnology". It trains engineers in this field from all over the world, "through a multidisciplinary approach that brings together science and engineering, management skills, industrial knowledge and knowledge of national and international biotechnology markets". It emphasizes in its methodology that "an eminently practical component is applied, derived from its close relationship with the business fabric of the sector throughout France". In fact, "Vanessa Proux is one of the most renowned researchers in France. The portfolio of issues to be developed includes a joint study of the new structure of Erasmus+ 2021-2027, in its different 'Key Actions', and the priority strategies for the proposal of new projects.