Alicante (Spain), 30 October 2023. The Commander of Operation ATALANTA, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente, and the Rector of the University of Alicante, Amparo Navarro Faure, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to allow collaboration between the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and the University of Alicante.
This collaboration takes shape, on one hand, with the participation of professors from the University of Alicante in those areas of the Operation General Staff where their contribution can improve current work procedures, such as in strategic communication (STRATCOM).
On the other hand, the agreement allows the participation of personnel from the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA in the University's own activities. In addition, it will make possible to collaborate in the inclusion of university students in the areas that are deemed appropriate as part of their university studies. The training areas in which collaboration is proposed are both undergraduate and master's degrees in the field of communication, law, and international relations.
As an initial joint milestone between both institutions, the first activity to support the Operation by the University has been coordinated. It will take place between 20 and 24 of November coinciding with the change of Commander of Operation ATALANTA and the celebration of its 15th Anniversary. Marta Martín, professor of Communication and Social Psychology of the University of Alicante, will visit the Rota Naval Base to carry out support, analysis and advice on communication related to international operations.
Since its inception in 2008, Operation ATALANTA has been in contact with academic institutions through participation of their staff in different types of conferences or supporting university students. This Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in line with this spirit of continuous growth and learning which allows this mutually beneficial relationship to continue, in this case, with the University of Alicante.
