2 years of Mehmed project
On January 16, 2021 the Mehmed project turns 2 years old, a key moment to assess its evolution and future perspectives. The first phase was characterized by a long process of work, debate and agreement, throughout 2019 and early 2020, for the design of the structure and content of the Masters. It has been possible to find a good balance between a common part, inspired by the experience of the UdG, which focuses on key concepts and methodologies for understanding and interpreting environmental changes. To which must be added the incorporation of the particular focus, tradition, specialty of each university, also taking in account the particularities of their area of location and influence. At the same time, a great effort has been made to create a powerful ecosystem of relationships with companies, administration and NGOs that allows the Master to be known and facilitate the employability of students. At this level, the Academic Council created at each university acts as a bridge between academia and the professional world.
Once this fundamental first step has been passed, it has been possible to accredit the 8 master’s degrees to the different competent administrations. Another long process that has also involved the introduction of some small changes in the structure of the masters but without changing the essence of the project.
At this point we enter the most important phase, the effective implementation of the master’s degree. Most universities have made the selection of students from the pre-registrations received. It is important to note the interest they have aroused, which has made that the selection of students has often been very competitive. This is certainly a very positive fact to ensure the presence of highly motivated students with a good curriculum.
A key date was Monday 14th of December when the first master’s degree in the Mehmed project began, specifically at the Mohamed Premier University – Oujda (Morocco). Definitely a milestone for the project. The other master’s degrees are expected to begin soon at other partner universities in the project, which have the support of European universities.
Once the project enters this phase of rapid implementation, a fundamental task begins, evaluating the quality, the satisfaction of students and their employability. This is where we are focusing right now all our efforts. Students are even more in the center of the project. And also, it is needed to expand the contacts that allow the future sustainability of this ambitious and necessary academic research initiative focused on the main challenges of the region: climate change and other environmental changes that affect and impact with more and more severity all the Mediterranean basin.
