On September 11, 2017 the third master thesis defence session in the history of the EACH programme took place at Åbo Akademi University (AAU)! Ime Bassey Isua-Ikoh and Dimitar Jovanovski successfully defended their master’s theses.

Congratulations to both of you!

(Photo on the left (left to right): Ime, Johan Bobacka, Dimitar)

Although all EACH thesis defences have members from both universities where students studied as well as from associated partners, this defence was nevertheless special by the highly international jury – Johan Bobacka (AAU), Manuel Miró (University of Balearic islands, Spain), Teem Näykki (SYKE; Finland) and Ivari Kaljurand (UT; Estonia). 75% of the members (all except Johan) participated via Skype. The connection worked well (occasionally some members disconnected, but they managed to quickly reconnect again) and serious discussions were held with both students. It is important to add that both Ime and Dimitar have already secured jobs/positions for them.

(Photo on the right: Ime discussing with the Jury members)

Together with the defences in Uppsala and recent defence in Lyon this defence in Åbo concludes the theses of the first intake of EACH students. All EACH students of the first intake have now successfully defended their theses!