NOVA BOVA Nordplus Network 2024

Abstract

The NOVA-BOVA Nordplus Network was established in 2008, and today includes 7 Nordic and 4 Baltic agricultural, forestry and veterinary universities/faculties: University of Helsinki (FI), University of Eastern Finland (FI), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NO), Agriculture University of Iceland (IS), University of Copenhagen (DK) Aniversity of Aarhus (DK). Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LV), Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University (LT), Lithuanian University of Health Sciences - Veterinary Academy (LT), Estonian University of Life Sciences (EE). The network offers possibilities for partners to visit other Nordic and Baltic faculties of their field for shorter or longer mobility periods. We have organized joint intensive courses based on academic and methodological exchange between the institutions. The objective of the network is to contribute to development of sustainable use of natural resources, food production, human and animal health and welfare. Life Sciences universities in our region share similar challenges, but differences in history and tradition have created diverse approaches to handle challenges, so we have much to learn from each other. Member institutions have national responsibility for degrees, of which several disciplines have low student numbers and scattered resources. Working together creates synergies to great benefit of teachers and students, and makes it possible to conduct courses that otherwise would attract too few students if each institution arranged them separately. Teachers gather best practices from partners and implement them in their home faculties and share their specialty with peers and students in the network.