From Seville to Da Nang: Strengthening Intercultural Academic Collaboration with Asia Through Ulysseus

Following the adhesion of the University of Da Nang (Vietnam) as a strategic partner of the Ulysseus European University Alliance in Asia in 2023, Fernando Poyatos, lecturer in the Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage of the University of Seville, delivered from 15-21 August a series of workshops on Cultural Heritage Preservation at the University of Foreign Language Studies (UD-UFLS). The goal of this initiative was to address a range of specialised topics of significant scientific and practical relevance, focusing on culture, cultural heritage, tourism, applications of artificial intelligence, research methodologies, and communication practices in multicultural environments.

In this regard, Dr Huynh Ngoc Mai Kha, Vice-Rector of UD-UFLS, highlighted that, as a specialised institution, the university continuously prioritises creating opportunities for both academic staff and students to access international cultural and linguistic knowledge. The event also served as a platform for interaction among researchers, lecturers, and students, fostering new opportunities for academic and research cooperation between both institutions.

By addressing topics such as the impact of mass tourism on cultural heritage and local socio-economic development, Professor Poyatos shared insights closely linked to the realities of Da Nang and Vietnam. The event not only promoted academic exchange among faculty members, students, and international experts, but also reinforced UD-UFLS’s role as a dynamic hub for international engagement and linguistic and cultural exchange.

Development of a Preventive Conservation Plan for the Cham Museum of Sculpture

In addition to the conservation workshop, Professor Poyatos also presented a proposal for the development of a Preventive Conservation Plan for the Cham Museum of Sculpture in Da Nang.

Over several days, environmental monitoring and control activities were conducted throughout the museum’s exhibition spaces, together with a comprehensive risk assessment of the collection. The museum houses works originating from various archaeological sites of the former Kingdom of Champa, dating from the 9th to the 15th centuries. To further analyse the archaeological context of selected artefacts, a field visit was undertaken to the My Son Sanctuary, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The visit provided an opportunity to observe ongoing conservation and restoration work being carried out on several of the sanctuary’s historic temples.

Reflecting on this experience, Fernando Poyatos, lecturer at the University of Seville, highlighted the value of the initiative in strengthening long-term collaboration between the two institutions and fostering intercultural academic exchange:

“My experience as a lecturer from the University of Seville (US) at Da Nang University during the month of August has helped consolidate the activities planned during my previous visits to this Vietnamese institution. Delivering this series of workshops alongside professors and students from this Asian university has enhanced my understanding of intercultural academic collaboration across different geographical regions, which the Ulysseus Alliance is actively fostering through initiatives such as these”.

As Ulysseus continues to strengthen its global partnerships, the collaboration with the University of Da Nang stands as a compelling case study of how international engagement can generate lasting impact, foster innovation and create new opportunities for academic communities across borders.

About Ulysseus

Ulysseus is one of the 73 European Universities alliances selected by the European Commission under its flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. These alliances, co-funded by the European Commission, bring together almost 650 higher education institutions of all types from across Europe.

Led by the University of Seville, the Ulysseus European University Alliance encompasses seven other partner universities: the Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Münster (Germany), and the University of Montenegro (Montenegro).