NEOLAiA

Professor Joce Nuttall, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), recently visited Bielefeld University. As a new member of NEOLAiA’s External Advisory Board (EAB), she brings a valuable outsider’s perspective to the European university alliance.

With Professor Joce Nuttall joining the NEOLAiA External Advisory Board, the alliance is broadening its perspectives beyond Europe. The renowned educational researcher from the University of Canterbury was recently welcomed at Bielefeld University – and expressed her admiration for the potential of NEOLAiA:

“I have joined the NEOLAiA External Advisory Board only recently, so I’m still learning about its role, but I think the University of Canterbury can contribute by bringing a genuinely ‘outside’ perspective to the work of the alliance. Although our cultural and university contexts are different, we are working on similar issues of diversity and inclusion in education. We can respectfully raise questions and suggestions informed by our different intellectual and cultural standpoints.

Coming from a country with only eight universities in total, the creation of the NEOLAiA alliance seems breathtaking! The combined commitment and intellectual weight created by combining the resources of nine universities across different parts of Europe is truly impressive. I’m excited to learn more at the EAB in Ostrava next week about the vision and activities of NEOLAiA.”

Welcoming such a distinguished partner highlights NEOLAiA’s ambition to build an excellent and diverse network – far beyond European borders. With her expertise in education policy and equity, Professor Nuttall enriches the alliance with new perspectives on equal footing.

Nuttall was accompanied by Dr. Christoph Teschers, Academic Lead in Education Studies and Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury. During their stay, the guests engaged in in-depth exchanges with various research groups at the Faculty of Educational Science and explored opportunities for joint research projects. They met with the faculty leadership, representatives of the Bielefeld School of Education and of the International Office, attended the ceremonial opening of the Graduate and Academic Career Development Centre (GrACe) at Bielefeld University, and held discussions with representatives of the Department for Research Support and Transfer regarding EU cooperation and funding opportunities. The agenda also included a meeting with the university’s Executive Board and the signing of a previously negotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). During a visit to the Laboratory School, they gained further insight into the local pedagogical approach. Finally, they explored concrete avenues for future collaboration within the NEOLAiA alliance. 

Professor Dr Joce Nuttall (left) visited Bielefeld University at the invitation of Professor Dr Michaela Vogt, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Diversity and Society and Head of Work Package 3 (centre). She was accompanied by Dr Christoph Teschers, also from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Photo: Dr Kristina Nienhaus

Professor Dr Michaela Vogt, Professor Dr Saskia Bender, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bielefeld University, Professor Dr Joce Nuttall and Dr Christoph Teschers at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding. Photo: Bielefeld University