The Malta College for Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) hosted a EU4Dual Alliance Rector’s Council meeting earlier this week to address major societal challenges through dual education.

The EU4Dual Alliance is an unprecedented collaboration comprising nine leading dual university and higher education institutions in Europe, including MCAST. The Alliance’s mission is to make dual higher education the future of higher education in a bid to address emerging economic, environmental, and social challenges.

During the meeting, the Alliance elected its new secretary-general, John L. Harris. Mr Harris brings to the role over 30 years of experience in the industry, corporate diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement across multiple continents.

MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja stated, “This alliance works toward achieving strategic goals such as developing joint master’s programs with European Degree accreditation, increasing mobility opportunities for our students, and attracting international students. These objectives align with MCAST’s overarching ambitions and are crucial to the College’s continued expansion and progress in delivering quality vocational education and training”.

Moreover, the alliance approved a work plan for the first year. A top priority for 2023 will be establishing governance bodies, including the Academic and Student Councils, Industry Relations Council, and Advisory Board. Furthermore, the Alliance will embark on a research program that will investigate the methods and impacts of dual higher education.

From the start of the 2023-24 academic year, students and staff at the nine institutions namely, Mondragon University of Spain, Duale Hochschule Baden-Wurttember of Germany, FH Joanneum Gesellschaft of Austria, Savonia-Ammattikorkeakoulu OF of Finland, Ecole Superieure Des Technologies Industrielles Avancees of France, Neuman Janos Egyetem of Hungry, Politechnika Koszalinska of Poland, Veleuciliste Par University of Applied Sciences of Croacia, will gain additional opportunities across the EU4Dual network and participate in multiple new research projects launched in areas linked to the green transition and future of work.