The group participated in plenary sessions, the launch of the new Centre for Applied Systems Analysis (CASA), and several thematic discussions. They also met with researchers and leadership at the College for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and toured laboratory and field facilities.
According to the delegation, UM6P is a rapidly expanding university with impressive infrastructure, strong research capacity, and a collaborative atmosphere among staff and students.
“We noted a positive and collegial spirit among researchers, and many students actively engaged in the scientific sessions,” says Klara Fischer, vice dean of internationalisation at NJ.
High‑quality facilities and strong scientific competence
Delegation members highlight UM6P’s state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, well‑run research farms, and advanced equipment for plant, soil, and environmental research. The university’s researchers demonstrate strong knowledge of agricultural challenges in Morocco and beyond, and several areas of overlap with SLU’s expertise were identified — including plant nutrition, soil–water dynamics, crop–soil–microbe interactions, and sustainable resource use.
CASA, launched during the visit, is seen as a promising platform for interdisciplinary systems research and a potential hub for future collaboration.
Research station at UM6P. Photo: Georg Carlsson
Concrete opportunities for collaboration
The SLU team identified several opportunities for collaboration:
- joint research proposals
- PhD and MSc co‑supervision
- student exchanges and Minor Field Studies placements
- researcher exchanges and guest lectures
Overall impression
The visit left a strong and positive impression of UM6P as an ambitious, well‑resourced university with a clear interest in international collaboration. The SLU delegation sees significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and systems analysis — while also recommending careful consideration of political and ethical aspects in any formal agreements.
Next steps and contact points
If researchers at SLU are interested in connecting with colleagues at UM6P or learning more about potential collaboration opportunities, they are welcome to contact any of the SLU representatives who took part in the visit. UM6P also offers attractive possibilities for students — for example those considering a Minor Field Study (MFS) — to carry out projects at their research facilities.
