In a significant step toward enhancing international academic collaboration, a delegation from the University of Rennes’ Faculty of Dentistry visited the Dental Clinic and the University of Pécs' Medical School. The visit, which took place as part of the EDUC European Digital University Alliance initiative, focused on building a bilateral academic exchange program in dental education and clinical training.
The Rennes delegation was composed of three senior academic figures: Dr. Solen Novello, specialist in Periodontology; Dr. Antoine Couatarmanac’h, expert in Public Health and Prevention; and Professor Jean-Louis Sixou, a leading figure in Paediatric Dentistry. During their stay, the French guests engaged in high-level discussions with senior lecturers Dr. Dorottya Frank, Dr. Krisztián Katona, and Dr. Ákos Károly Nagy, Head of the Dental Clinic. As part of the official program, the delegation was also welcomed by Dr. Miklós Nyitrai, Dean of the Medical School of the University of Pécs, further underlining the institutional commitment to long-term cooperation in health sciences education.
“This partnership offers exciting opportunities for both institutions to collaborate
not only in student and staff mobility, but also in joint research and curriculum development. The EDUC network provides an excellent platform to strengthen European integration in higher education,” said the dean.
The idea for collaboration was first initiated by Professor Jean-Louis Sixou in late March 2024, referencing the shared values and goals of the EDUC network. Initial discussions were conducted via email and an online meeting, which paved the way for a personal encounter at the ADEE (Association for Dental Education in Europe) Conference in Leuven, Belgium, held between September 7–10, 2024. At the conference, representatives from both institutions agreed to launch a mutual exchange program, beginning with reciprocal visits to each other’s faculties.
“There’s a lot we can learn from each other, especially in how we engage with students and support clinical skill development.” - emphasized Professor Jean-Louis Sixou.
The face-to-face meetings in Pécs allowed both sides to discuss potential frameworks for collaboration, ranging from joint student placements and faculty exchanges. In addition to formal discussions, the Rennes delegation was given a guided tour of the PTE MediSkillsLab, a state-of-the-art clinical simulation facility designed to train future healthcare professionals in a hands-on, high-fidelity environment. The guests expressed great interest in the educational technologies and methodology applied in the Skill Lab, particularly its relevance for preclinical dental training.
This visit marks an important step towards fostering international collaboration in dental education and research, enhancing mobility opportunities and contributing to academic excellence across institutions.
For further information on the EDUC Alliance and its member institutions, visit: https://educalliance.eu
