SITES Strengthens Europe–Africa Research Collaboration at Nigerian British University
SITES Ltd continues to expand its international outreach and capacity-building efforts through active engagement with emerging research communities. In this context, Leonardo Piccinetti, Managing Director of SITES Ltd, delivered a comprehensive presentation at Nigerian British University, focusing on funding and collaboration opportunities within the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.
The event was organised in close collaboration with Dr Trevor Omoruyi (PhD) from Chester College (England), bringing together a highly engaged audience of Master’s and PhD students, Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs), and academic staff interested in strengthening their participation in international research and innovation initiatives.
Advancing Knowledge on Horizon Europe Opportunities
During the session, Leonardo provided a strategic overview of the Horizon Europe framework, highlighting its key priorities and its role in fostering global collaboration. Particular attention was given to the growing importance of Europe–Africa partnerships, emphasizing how African institutions can actively engage in EU-funded projects.
Participants gained practical insights into:
- Building strong and competitive research consortia
- Navigating Horizon Europe funding mechanisms
- Positioning institutions and researchers for successful participation
- Exploring pathways for long-term international collaboration
Leonardo also introduced future cooperation opportunities with SITES Ltd, including participation in projects, internships, and capacity-building initiatives designed to support emerging researchers.
Empowering Early-Career Researchers
A standout moment of the event was the contribution of SITES interns Nasiru Inuwa and Jeny Edward, who shared their personal journeys and experiences working within European-funded projects. Their testimonials offered valuable, real-world perspectives on how early-career researchers can access international opportunities, develop professional skills, and contribute to impactful innovation ecosystems.
Their participation added a dynamic and relatable dimension to the session, inspiring attendees to actively pursue cross-border collaboration and research excellence.
Fostering Dialogue and Future Collaboration
The presentation sparked an engaging discussion, with participants raising thoughtful questions on funding access, partnership development, and career pathways in international research. This interactive exchange highlighted the strong interest and readiness of African researchers to engage more deeply with European programmes.
Building Bridges for Sustainable Impact
This initiative marks another important step in strengthening research and innovation bridges between Europe and Africa. Through such activities, SITES Ltd reinforces its commitment to:
- Capacity building and skills development
- Knowledge exchange across regions
- Empowering the next generation of researchers
- Promoting inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystems
SITES remains dedicated to supporting global collaboration and enabling researchers and institutions to unlock new opportunities within the European research landscape.
