Growing our relationship with France: The President of the Université Grenoble Alpes Visits McMaster

On April 25, McMaster University had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Yassine Lakhnech, President of Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), and Mr. Martin Oudart, Head & Chief of Staff of the President’s Office, to our campus. 

McMaster and UGA share a longstanding and productive history of collaboration, particularly in various research areas in engineering and science, as well as with student and faculty exchanges. As one of McMaster’s strategic international partners, UGA continues to play a key role in advancing our shared research and educational initiatives.

Most recently, the Office of International Affairs has been leading an initiative, McMaster – Grenoble International Colloquium (MaGIC), which is an ongoing series of virtual colloquia organized around specific themes to connect researchers and students to collaborate on shared topics. 

During this most recent visit, McMaster’s leadership team and faculty members engaged in a series of productive discussions with the UGA delegation, complemented by a tour of McMaster’s nuclear reactor. Conversations focused on expanding collaboration in nuclear energy research and program development, with a particular emphasis on opportunities for PhD students. Both institutions also explored the establishment of further joint workshops and deepened discussions around shared priorities in climate change research and artificial intelligence. Meetings were also attended by Grégoire Dusseux, Science and Technology Officer, on behalf of the Consulate General of France in Toronto, which has been a longstanding key partner in helping to develop and strengthen ties between McMaster and French universities. 

We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with UGA and building new opportunities for innovation, research, and academic exchange between our institutions.