[Rome, November 6, 2024] The 3rd partnership meeting of the DIRASA project, aimed at assessing progress and setting future directions, was held on November 5-6, 2024, in Rome. This event brought together the numerous academic and institutional partners from Tunisia and Europe, providing an opportunity to review project progress and plan strategic next steps.
An intensive program with inspiring interventions
Professor Abdelwahed Mokni from the University of Sfax, the project’s coordinating institution, and Dr. Marcello Scalisi, Director of UNIMED, the meeting host, opened the meeting by emphasizing the challenges and importance of strengthening the autonomy of Tunisian universities in scientific research. These interventions highlighted DIRASA’s mission to support a sustainable and innovative research system in Tunisia.
Progress of the work packages: achievements and objectives
WP3 – Strengthening university staff skills
This Work Package, led by the University of Pisa and the University of Jendouba, focused on developing research management skills for various university groups, including university leaders, teaching staff, PhD students, and administrative staff. Four main topics were addressed: research ethics, research center management, research valorisation, and access to European funding.
Through workshops held in Tunisia and a training week in Italy, participants benefited from practical methodologies, including case studies and interactive discussions. These trainings were followed by cascading sessions at Tunisian universities and within MESRS and ANPR to transfer skills and maximize the impact of learning. A detailed report of all training carried out in Tunisia and in Palermo has been completed and is ready for distribution.
WP4 – Toward increased financial autonomy for universities
Coordinated by the University of Sousse and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia (MESRS), Work Package 4 aims to foster the autonomy of Tunisian universities in the research sector. Recent field visits to the University of Pavia and to the University of Pisa provided insights into innovative practices in research management, infrastructure development, doctoral training, and international cooperation—crucial elements for strengthening research capacity in Tunisia.
The transition to the status of Scientific and Technological Public Institution (EPST) is a key objective of this work package, supported by the creation of strategic foresight units. These units will enable universities to identify funding opportunities, foster partnerships, and promote a culture of innovation and competitiveness for Tunisian universities internationally.
Another key task, the Objectives and Performance Contract, is in progress. This structured contract will set precise objectives and performance indicators, involving steps from identifying relevant documents to thorough consultations with stakeholders. Once finalized, it will serve as a collaboration framework between the MESRS and research laboratories to better monitor and assess performance, with a focus on strategic goals guiding actions in a clear and measurable way.
WP5 – Visibility and recognition of Tunisian research
The activities of Work Package 5, coordinated by the National Agency for the Promotion of Research (ANPR) and the University of Tunis El Manar, were also discussed. The University of Pavia presented the first initiative to raise the visibility of Tunisian research and encourage collaboration between academic institutions and the socio-economic sector: in spring 2025, a training program focused on improving research practices and publication strategies will be held at the University of Gabès.
WP6 – Quality Assessment
Work Package 6, focused on quality assessment, is divided into two components. Internal assessment is managed by the universities of Gabès and Tunis El Manar, monitoring project progress, activity effectiveness, and process efficiency. Complementing this, an external assessment is carried out by IDEC, an independent organization.
The Interim internal quality report highlights strengths, such as solid financial resources and effective governance, but also identifies weaknesses, including delays in task completion and insufficient involvement of some partners. The recommendations aim to improve partner communication, increase stakeholder involvement, speed up planning processes, and enhance coordination to ensure deadlines are met.
IDEC’s interim external evaluation report highlighted strong partnerships between Tunisian and European universities, as well as capacity building through the various trainings provided. The report also noted significant opportunities, particularly the potential to develop national governance in research and better align projects with Tunisia’s socio-economic priorities.
WP7 – Dissemination and exploitation of results
Work Package 7 focuses on the dissemination and exploitation of the DIRASA project results, both internationally and locally. Dissemination activities are coordinated by CESIE and the University of Kairouan for the international and local levels, respectively.
Achievements include a communication plan and integrated event strategy, graphic and promotional materials to support project events and enhance its visibility with the target audience (such as the project postcard, brochure, and newsletters), social media presence on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to engage a wider audience, and a website regularly updated with articles on project activities and successes.
All partners contribute to dissemination, ensuring both internal and external communication, event promotion, and project results through their own networks, thus enhancing DIRASA’s visibility and impact.
Conclusion and outlook
The Rome meeting consolidated partner commitments and set new perspectives for the next stages of the DIRASA project. The project will continue with a field visit planned for Rouen, France, providing partners another opportunity to exchange best practices in scientific research management and promotion.
Moreover, the start of work on creating strategic foresight units marks a decisive step toward greater research autonomy for Tunisian institutions. European partners will work with the University of Sousse and MESRS to develop a training program aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of Tunisian research, to be held in Gabès in spring 2025.
These initiatives offer a dynamic and engaging framework for anyone wishing to actively contribute to the advancement of higher education in Tunisia. If you are interested in DIRASA’s activities and would like to get involved, we encourage you to visit the Partners page to find the contacts of our coordinators at your university.