From 4 to 6 March 2026, the RESET consortium gathered at Champasack University (CU), Lao PDR, for the project's official Kick-off Meeting, marking the first in-person meeting since the project's launch on 1 January 2026.

The three-day meeting represented a major milestone in the implementation of RESET – Redefining Research Management Structures and Research Career Development to Accelerate Green Growth in Laos, bringing together representatives from all consortium partners to establish a shared vision, coordinate project activities, and officially launch the operational phase of this four-year Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative.

Hosted by Champasack University, the project coordinator, the meeting reinforced the strong collaboration between Lao higher education institutions, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), and the European partners, laying the foundations for a successful and sustainable implementation of the project.

Official opening of the project implementation phase

The Kick-off Meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Phonesavanh Thepphasoulithone, Rector of Champasack University, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Kaisone Phengsopha, Director General of the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES).

The opening session highlighted the strategic importance of RESET in supporting the modernisation of research management systems, strengthening institutional capacities, and creating sustainable research career pathways that contribute to the Green Growth priorities of Lao PDR.

One of the highlights of the first day was the keynote speech, "Impact and Sustainability of Higher Education & CBHE Projects", delivered by Dr. Roberto Escarré (Institutional Project Management Office of the University of Alicante). The presentation reflected on the transformative role of Erasmus+ Capacity Building projects in promoting institutional reform, long-term sustainability, and lasting impact within higher education systems.

The first day also included institutional presentations from all project partners, providing an overview of their research and innovation ecosystems and identifying opportunities for future cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research.

Aligning the consortium for effective implementation

The second and third days were dedicated to the technical implementation of the project. Consortium members reviewed the objectives, deliverables, indicators, timelines, and responsibilities associated with each of the nine RESET work packages.

Extensive discussions enabled partners to exchange good practices, clarify implementation methodologies, and establish a common understanding of the project's governance structure, ensuring a coordinated approach from the very beginning.

Special attention was given to project management and quality assurance, financial management, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, equipment procurement, training activities, policy development, and the creation of the National Research Hub, one of RESET's flagship results that will strengthen collaboration among researchers and higher education institutions across Lao PDR.

Another important milestone of the meeting was the RESET Stakeholders Identification Workshop, during which partners collaboratively identified the key national and international stakeholders whose involvement will be essential to maximise the project's impact and sustainability.

The meeting concluded with the definition of the first project milestones, agreement on initial deliverables, and planning of upcoming activities, providing a solid operational framework for the first implementation period.

Strengthening international cooperation

Beyond the technical sessions, the Kick-off Meeting offered an invaluable opportunity to strengthen partnerships, foster mutual understanding, and build lasting professional relationships among consortium members.

The event also included cultural and networking activities organised by Champasack University, allowing participants to experience the rich cultural heritage of southern Lao PDR while reinforcing collaboration in an informal setting.

Looking ahead

With the successful completion of the Kick-off Meeting, RESET officially enters its implementation phase. Over the next four years, the consortium will work together to modernise research management structures, strengthen institutional capacities, support researchers through innovative training and career development opportunities, and contribute to the development of national policies that promote excellence in research and innovation for Green Growth in Lao PDR.

The RESET consortium brings together the following partners:

• Champasack University (CU) – Project Coordinator
• National University of Laos (NUOL)
• Souphanouvong University (SU)
• Savannakhet University (SKU)
• University of Health Sciences (UHS)
• Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES)
• University of Alicante (UA), Spain
• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (ALU), Germany
• CESIE ETS, Italy

The consortium looks forward to the successful implementation of the project's activities and to delivering lasting impact for higher education, research, and sustainable development in Lao PDR.

For more information about RESET, visit https://www.resetlaopdr.eu and follow the project on its social media channels Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay updated on the latest news, activities, and achievements.