Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

between

The University of Paris 8, France

represented by its president Prof. Annick Allaigre


and

Roskilde University, Denmark

represented by its rector Prof. Hanne Leth Andersen

and

The University of Konstanz, Germany

represented by its rector Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein

and

The University of the Aegean, Greece

represented by its rector Prof. Chryssi Vitsilaki

and

The New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria

represented by its rector Prof. Plamen Bochkov

Article 1: Parties and Purpose

The above parties have decided to join in an Alliance that focus upon student-centered learning, critical thinking, interdisciplinary teaching and research, and social engagement.

They agree upon the following Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU sets forth the intentions of the Parties for increased collaboration, cooperation and interaction.

The parties believe that it is in their best interests to encourage direct contact and cooperation between their faculty members, departments, institutes, other research centers and administration in order to foster the development of possible collaborative projects and activities in fields of teaching and research to be agreed upon, subject to the availability of funding and the development of specific binding agreements. The parties have entered into this MoU for the purpose of setting forth their mutual understanding and agreement with respect to such direct contact and the development of potential of cooperative programs.

The five institutions will encourage direct contact and co-operation between their faculty and administrative staff, departments and research institutions. Within fields that are mutually acceptable, the following general forms of co-operation will be pursued:

  • the development of joint research activities;
  • visits by and exchange of faculty members and research scholars;
  • exchange of information including, but not limited to, research publications of faculty members;
  • joint supervision of research work;
  • joint conferences, symposia and other academic meetings on subjects of mutual interest;
  • exchange of students and faculty;
  • exchange of academic materials and information;
  • exchange of administrative staff;
  • development of experimental, innovative and joint study programs;
  • Sponsorship of cooperative seminars, workshops and other academic meetings.

Article 2: Duration and Termination

The signatory parties shall cooperate under this MOU for an initial period of five (5) years from the date of last signature, which may be extended by the mutual written consent of the parties. Modifications may be made by mutual agreement. Any modification shall require the written approval of the five institutions. This MoU may be terminated at any time by mutual consent or without liability by six (6) months' notice in writing by either party.

Article 3: Non-binding nature

This MoU is not intended to create binding or legal obligations on either party. The terms of co-operation for each specific activity implemented under this MoU shall be mutually discussed and agreed upon in writing by all parties prior to the initiation of that activity and will be the subject of separate agreements. If the parties later agree to undertake specific joint projects with legally binding obligations, they will develop separate written agreements for such projects.

Article 4: Funding issues

This MoU does not imply any financial obligations for the parties. The signatory parties understand that all financial arrangements will have to be negotiated and will depend on the availability of funds.

Article 5: Non-discrimination

All signatory parties agree to comply, without exception, with the principles of non-discrimination. All persons involved in the cooperation are treated as equals, irrespective of their personal backgrounds and in accordance to their tasks.

Article 6: Resolution of disputes

In the event that a dispute arises under this MoU, the parties shall make every effort to resolve it themselves. Should the parties enter future contracts contemplated by this MoU, such contracts will contain a resolution process.

Article 7: Confidentiality

Each Institution recognizes that, in connection with this Agreement, it may receive information regarding the business, affairs, operations and finances of the other Institution and personal information of participating students or applicants (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Except as set out in this Agreement, each Institution agrees to not disclose any Confidential Information provided to it by the other Institution to any other person or party and agrees to use such Confidential Information solely for the limited purpose for which it was provided. Each Institution shall make all reasonable security arrangements necessary to protect the Confidential Information provided to it by the other Institution and will not copy or disclose the Confidential Information to a third party without the prior written consent of the institution that provided it or as may be required by applicable law.