IOC signs MOU with University of Jaén

A Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olive Council (IOC) and Universidad de Jaén (UJA) has been signed, respectively represented by the Executive Director Abdellatif Ghedira and the Rector Juan Gómez Ortega. Both are pictured with Marta Romero Ariza, the Director of the International Projects Department at UJA; the two IOC Deputy Executive Directors Jaime Lillo and Mustafà Sepetci; the Head of the Legal Department Eduardo Muela; the Head of the Training Department Catarina Bairrao Balula; and the Head of the Technology Unit, Abdelkrim Adi.

The aim of this MOU is to lay down the arrangements for collaboration between both Parties with a view to creating synergies in activities related to training, research and technical cooperation as well as activities implemented within the framework of bilateral and regional development projects.

With a view to defining the terms of their collaboration, both Parties agree on types of cooperation and joint activities. The list below shall be neither restrictive nor binding in that both Parties may undertake other types of activities and projects in other spheres.

In the light of the challenges facing the olive sector and the capabilities of UJA and the IOC, both Parties hereby agree to:

1. Types of cooperation

•  Promote technical cooperation and research and development, innovation and technology transfer in the olive sector by collaborating on joint initiatives;

1. Foster the transfer of technology through training activities in the fields connected with the olive sector by organising international, regional and national activities;

• Develop long-term training activities or short-term specialised training activities and distance learning modules (e-learning, webinars, etc.);

1. Propose inclusive learning paths for UJA students within the framework of the research or projects;
2. Mobilise respective scientific and technical expertise in order to conduct studies, research or development projects;
3. Share information and knowledge relating to the olive sector;

• Organise and participate in events (seminars, conferences, etc) of importance to the olive sector;
• Compile technical guides and publications for the sector;

1. Help each Party promote their activities to their respective networks.

 Joint Priorities

• Continue the contribution of the IOC to the Diploma de Especialización en Cata de Aceites de Oliva Vírgenes (“Convenio de Colaboración entre la Universidad de Jaén y el Consejo Oleícola Internacional para la Concesión de Becas en el Curso de Experto en Cata de Aceites de Oliva Vírgenes”)[1] that will be given by the UJA simultaneously in both English and Spanish from its 18^th edition onwards;
• Collaborate on the Master universitario en olivar y aceite de oliva by participating in its inauguration, on-going activities and any other needs that may be identified by the Parties;
• Collaborate on the prospective creation of new joint international educational programmes and studies, international networks, research and development, and scientific symposia that are in line with IOC and UJA strategic positions;
• Participate in the UJA OLEA Initiative which promotes the joint participation of researchers, SMEs, public administrations, universities and research institutes in research and development and innovation project proposals in the olive sector, through institutional presence in the activities organised;
• Facilitate information on IOC traineeship opportunities and coordinate with the UJA voluntary traineeship;
• Provide institutional presence in cultural activities organised by the UJA regarding olive oil and the olive grove;
• Exchange non-confidential information on the olive sector between both institutions;
• Contribute to IOC technical and scientific publications and activities;
• Participate in promotional activities of the UJA regarding the olive sector, as well as provide support in the dissemination of its scientific research results.

This Memorandum of Understanding shall not constitute any mutual financial obligation. The actions provided for herein shall be initiated in light of the resources, particularly budgetary, that can be made available and in compliance with the financial rules, procedures and standards of both Parties. The arrangements for the execution or implementation of the specific programmes/projects/activities shall be specified in detailed agreements.

[1]Signed on 1 September 2008 (and addendum on 2 August 2019).