Discussion for strengthening the collaboration with the Embassy and Spanish Universities
His Excellency, the Ambassador of Spain, Mr Álvaro Castillo-Aguilar, visited the University of Nicosia (UNIC) on Thursday, 24 February 2022, following an invitation by the Rector of the University, Professor Philippos Pouyioutas. The Ambassador, accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul, Mr Manuel de la Iglesia Anglada, met with the Rector and the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Panayiotis Angelides.
Rector Pouyioutas presented the Ambassador with information regarding the number of Spanish students studying at the University of Nicosia and the programmes they are enrolled in, as well as information regarding Erasmus+ collaborations with Spanish universities. The Rector highlighted the University’s collaboration with the University of Oviedo in Spain, in offering a Double Erasmus Mundus Master degree in “Public Health in Disasters”.
Focusing on the high-quality education offered by the University of Nicosia, Rector Pouyioutas then highlighted the University’s distinctions in the major university rankings and especially its achievement in being ranked among the top 601-800 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022) and among the top 180 young universities in the world (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2022).
Referring to the internationalization initiatives and the broader strategy of the European Union vis-à-vis Higher Education, Professor Pouyioutas briefed the Ambassador on the inclusion of the University of Nicosia in the newly established NEOLAiA European University Alliance, which includes eight other top European universities, including Jaen University in Spain.
On his part, Ambassador Castillo-Aguilar highlighted the close collaboration between the University and the Embassy in co-organizing a series of events and reiterated his wish to further enhance this collaboration, as well as to support the University of Nicosia with its international endeavours, including strengthening UNIC’s collaboration with Spanish universities.
In closing, Rector Pouyioutas thanked the Ambassador for accepting his invitation, underscoring that the University of Nicosia is always at the disposal of the Embassy to assist and support the Embassy and students from Spain.
