Letter of Intent

SCHOOL OR DEPARTMENT / CONTACT PERSON : Last Name Vain First Name Jüri Department Department of Software Science Role in the Department Tenure Associate Professor Telephone +372 5099675 Email Juri. V ain@ TalTech .ee INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLANNED PROJECT : Active areas Curriculum development, joint supervision, exchange of staff Which countries are about to be involved? Erasmus+ Partner Countries Algeria Erasmus+ Partner Universities Biskra University Previous cooperation experiences with above mentioned Partner Countries/ Universities Bidirectional e xchange of academic staff. Consultation on software engineering and cyber security curricula development, live meetings on the topics to be covered by courses of named curricula. Duration of the project 36 months starting from 1 st of August 20 20 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (PLEASE ANSWER ALL 12 QUESTIONS): Criterion one: Relevance of the strategy (30 points) Explain why the planned mobility project is relevant to the internationalisatio n strategy in your department and Partner C ountries /Universities . The profiles of the two partners must fit each other. Justification of the mobility types chosen is needed. Q1. Why do es your department want to foster mobility? Attract talent? Research purpose? Opportunities for staff development? etc. One of the main missions of the Department of Software Science (DSS), TalTech is to assure the quality of teaching via spreading its experience, getting feedback and learning that from other universities. Disseminating the experience on the development and implementation of international MSc study programmes in AI, Software Engineering and in Cyber Security to partner university is the measure that directly serves this purpose. Since these MSc programme s at Biskra University (BU) are under innovation DSS can provide valuable boost to the implementation of that process . On the other hand, DSS has qualified staff involved in active research and capable of providing supervision and support to graduates of B U o n their enrolment to PhD student positions at TalTech . Thus, the mutual benefit between partner universities will be many -fold: 1) the quality of PhD students enrolled at TalTech from BU would improve due to synchronized study programmes and better preparation and 2) the Algerian students returning after getting PhD at TalTech would join the academic staff at BU and strengthen the PhD programme at BU . 3) Jointly educated graduates at BU have good skills for creating new start-up in most agile sectors of Algerian economy. Q2. Why the mobility projects is relevant to your department ´s internationalisation strategy? Algeria has steadily growing economy, rich cultural heritage and supportive government attitude . Algerian IT sector is growing that provides good conditions to ICT related companies and creates increasing demand for highly qualified IT specialists. Government ministries are also interested in process modernization and the digitization of record-keeping. According to the Regulatory Agency for Post and Electronic Communications (ARPCE), internet penetration rate was 49.2% in 2018 , a marked improvement from 27.8% in 2015. This places Algeria among the leading countries in Africa. DSS can see good opportunities of starting joint R&D projects with BU academic staff and students to promote and replicate Estonian ICT success projects via BU graduates and alumni working for Algerian ICT sector. Q3. Try to provide “quantifiable information” on the profile of selected Partner Countries/U niversities, such as size and influence in a particular area? Complementarity of department involved? Similarity and difference of functions . Here you need some input from partner universities. Biskra University (BU) is one of the most influential university in the region and it has a clear intention to build a strong bridge between Algeria and other countries all over the world. Since BU has long lasting experience with Europe it makes BU a trustful partner for any European country and it is clear-cut in the internationalization strategy of the university (2017). BU has a historical connections with western Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal and others) and tend s to reach the Eastern Part of it through making a relationships with Estonia that has a good Educational programme and most importantly TalTech has been involved in many innovative initiatives in the field of e-governance, computer science , AI and cyber security . This latter, TalTech and BU have cooperated under Erasmus+ KA107 for the academic year 2018-2019 which was a good experience where universities sign ed an inter-institutional agreement on t eaching which enabled us to receive two professors and we sent a professor in the domain of informatics. The scientific and pedagogic expertize of partner universities is complementing each other and provides solid ground for mutually beneficial collaboration . Criterion two: Quality of the cooperation (30 points) Detail your previous experience of similar projects with the proposed Partner Country/University, if any, and explain how, for the planned mobility project, responsibilities, roles and tasks will be defined . Tangible plans need to be shown. Q4. Explain the division of administrative expertise: During 1 st year, DSS staff members will train BU staff in the design and planning of new informatics, cyber security and software engineering study programme relying on earlier experience acquired by running international study programmes. At the same, DSS provides guidance in designing new courses that are not covered in BU yet. BU lecturers who will start teaching the courses of general and core studies participate and practice in the teaching process at TalTech . During 2 nd year, main pilot courses of general and core studies will be delivered by BU staff members. BU lecturers who will start teaching the courses on special studies participate and practice in the teaching process at TalTech . DSS staff members will prepare labs, lab ass istants and lecturing staff at B U on courses of special studies. BU staff members deliver intensive courses at Tal T ech for 2 nd year MSc students on special IT topics to extend the scope of final thesis and participate in their supervision During 3 rd year, DSS teaching staff delivers 2 pilot courses on special studies at B U. Joint supervision of MSc thesis is performed by staff members of both partners. Who confirms Work Plan? The work plan will be confirmed by the Project Steering Committee (PSC), consisting of the Dean of BU , director of the DSS and the coordinator of the project. Who is in charge of the selection and/or evaluation of participants? What will the administrative staff have to do in order to participate? The project staff will be selected by PSC from members of both partner organizations. In addition to academic staff the project team includes an advisor from administrative staff who has earlier experience in Erasmus or similar educational projects. Q5. Explain how communication channels will work between you and your partner? Who is responsible for the paper work? How will you monitor and report on the mobilities? Daily communication between the partners will be implemented by using electronic communication channels such as e-mail , Teams, Google Meet and others . The assistant of project leader is responsible for the paper work. The mobility will be monitored by PSC and technically handled by partners’ administrative staff Q6. What are similar previous experiences? W hat is meant for future cooperation ? DSS has earlier experience with several Tempus and Erasmus projects, e.g. TEMPUS Structural Joint European Project JEP06145 "IT & CS Education Development Center for Estonian Universities" , Tempus IV project EACEA35/2012 SEREIN - Modernization of Postgraduate Studies on Security and Resilience for Human and Industry Related Domains (where the applicant served as academic coordinator), and others. This prior experience enables DSS to effectively establish new partnerships with institutions such as Biskra University by applying proven selection procedures, mobility preparation, and recognition practices . The department is familiar with credit mobility frameworks (ECTS), Learning/Teaching Agreements, and monitoring/reporting procedures , ensuring transparent and efficient implementation of student and staff exchanges. Lessons learned from previous projects, including managing mobility logistics, academic recognition, and intercultural preparation, will be directly applied to develop sustainable, high-quality cooperation with new partners in North Africa and other regions. Criterion three: Quality of the project design and implementation (20 points) Present the different phases of the mobility project and summarise what partner university/ department plan in terms of participant’s selection, support and result recognition. Q7 . S pecify the number of staff and total duration , e.g. 1 teaching staff mobility and 1 training staff mobility to BU for a total duration of 2 week s (1 week per person) , 1 teaching staff mobility and 1 training staff mobility to TalTech from BU for 2 weeks (1 week per person) . Staff mobility ☒ Incoming staff mobility for teaching (from Biskra University to TalTech) Add number of participants: 4 Add duration of visit per participant (choose from 14 days): ☒ Outgoing staff mobility for teaching (from TalTech to Biskra University) Add number of participants: 4 Add duration of visit per participant (choose from 14 days): ☒ Incoming staff mobility for training (from Biskra University to TalTech) Add number of participants: 3 Add duration of visit per participant (choose from 7 days): ☒ Outgoing staff mobility for training (from TalTech to Partner University) Add number of participants: 3 Add duration of visit per participant (choose from 14 days): Student mobility ☒ Incoming student mobility for studies (from Biskra University to TalTech) Add number of participants: 3 Duration of visit per participant (months): 5 months per student Add study cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): Add study field: ☒ Outgoing student mobility for studies (from TalTech to Partner University) Add number of participants: 3 Duration of visit per participant (months): 5 months per student Add study cycle - (bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add study field: Computer Science/Mathematics ☒ Incoming student mobility for traineeship (from Biskra University to TalTech) Add number of participants: 2 Add duration of visit per participant ( 5 months ): Add study cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add study field: Computer Science/Mathematics ☒ Outgoing student mobility for traineeship (from TalTech to Biskra University) Add number of participants: 2 Add duration of visit per participant ( 5 months ): Add study cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add study field: Computer Science/Mathematics Q8. Mention the completeness and quality of arrangement for the select ion, support and recognition. How will the par ticipants be selected? What kind of recognition will they receive? etc. The participants will be selected by Project Steering Committee by their earlier experience, the field of competence and further role in teaching of planned study programme s . TTU Mobility Centre will support participants with information on insurance/visa/housing Q9. Try to address the additional support for disadvantage people, language training, cultural integration activities, etc. – if planned. The participants will get instructed on local social, cultural and religion related issues for better mutual understanding and respect. The teaching premises and labs have access to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds and with special needs. All teaching materials including video material will be made easily accessible and published in internet. When will the participants be selected? The core of project team is already agreed on. The participants who will deliver courses at partner institutions or participate in teacher training will be select during the 1st year of the project when the study programme will be developed and courses piloted. When will they receive language training? Depending on the need the language training starts within 2 months after the participants are selected and lasts from 1 to 3 months. When will their mobility periods be recognised? The personal mobility periods will be recognized as soon as the courses of study programme will be fixed. Criterion four: Impact and Dissemination (20 points) Explain the desired impact of the mobility project on the participants, beneficiaries, partner university, and at local, regional and national levels. Describe the measures which will be taken to disseminate the results of the mobility project at faculty and institute levels, and beyond. Q10. Explain the impact and outcomes of the mobility project on the different stakeholders. The participants will be trained according to the best international practices to be able to work within modern academic culture and will be provided with high level of professional competences. DSS and TalTech will acquire skills and practice of collaborating with academic staff and students from different cultural environment. Second and not less important impact factor to DSS is the improvement of professional excellence of academic staff, writing joint research papers, gaining practice in lecturing and seminars. More to that, personal contacts with alumni and industry partners of BU will be conducted to start joint research and development projects between universities. In addition to the benefits named for TalTech , the partner university will launch a new study programme that is highly requested by Algerian ICT sector and is important to whole Algerian economy. Q11. Explain the impact at local/regional/national level, including the Partner Country /University . How will the outcomes be measured and evaluated? How will you know whether you have achieved the desired and expected impacts? The project has very clear outcome – MSc study progra mme in Software Engineering at B U that is synchronized with that taught at TalTech . For instance, a major indicator of success is the admission rate to the programme. In case of SE programme running at TalTech the indicative rate is approximately 20 % from all applicants. A long term success indicator is the satisfaction rate of employers and the percentage of graduates who will continue in PhD programme at TalTech . Mentioning other indicators, joint publications and R&D projects demonstrate the width of the project scope Q12. Describe what dissemination activities you intend to carry out and through which channels. Do you have means to measure success and dissemination results ( e.g. publications, surveys, newsletters, alumni networks etc.)? If no t , how will you develop them? Will you work together with your partner universities? The mean to measure success and dissemination results for TalTech is the number of joint publications, R&D projects, number of students who graduate from BU and apply for PhD admission at TalTech. Traditionally, BU has tight relations with alumni networks that brings the project impact to the level of Algerian IT industry. Admission of Algerian students at TalTech will also enlighten the urgent demand for IT specialists in Estonian labour market. According to the ITL report Estonian economy needs annually about 500 more IT specialists compared to that Universities release current. TALTECH SCHOOL OR DEPARTMENT / CONTACT PERSON : Last Name Vain First Name Jüri Department Tallinn University of Technology Role in the Department Tenure Associate Professor Telephone +372 5099675 Email Juri.vain@taltech .ee PARTNER UNIVERSITY NAME/CONTACT PERSON: University University Mohamed Khider of Biskra OID number* The partner university must have an OID number 932033522 Contact person´s Last Name Moumi Contact person´s First Name Mohamed Role in the university Erasmus+ officer Town Biskra Country Algeria Telephone +213 778 12 70 26 Email [email protected] Homepage address of the university https://univ-biskra.dz/index.php/en/ INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLANNED KA171-HED - Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by external policy funds PROJEC T: Discipline / Academic field - Study fields of mutual interest Computer Science Duration of the project 36 months starting from 1 st of August 20 2 6 – 31 st of July 20 2 9 PROJECT DESCRIPTION (PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS): Project management at the Partner University Questions should be answered by the Partner University 1. Please provide a s hort description of the Partner University. Include whether it is a public or private institution, its size, and its influence in the region . Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The University of Biskra (Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra ) is a public, non-profit university in Biskra , Algeria, officially accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It was founded in the early 1980s and has grown into a very large institution with around 30,000–35,000 students across multiple faculties offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. It plays a significant educational and research role in the region , ranking among the top universities nationally and contributing to academic development in eastern Algeria, with diverse academic disciplines and campuses that support both local students and regional development. 2. How does the exchange with TalTech align with your university´s in ternationalisation strategy? Include a web link of the internationalisation strategy of your university, if available. Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The exchange with TalTech fits directly into Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra’s internationalisation strategy , which aims to expand student and staff mobility , joint programmes , research collaboration , and global visibility . Biskra University participates in international activities such as Erasmus+ KA107 mobility , harmonising credit recognition (ECTS) and building bilateral agreements with many universities , including partners in Europe like TalTech . This aligns with the strategic goal of enhancing learning experiences abroad , strengthening cross-cultural academic ties , and reinforcing the university’s presence in international education networks . 3. Does the Partner University have previous experience with Erasmus KA171 projects or other international cooperation projects? If yes, p lease describe briefly. Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) Biskra University ( Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra ) has significant experience with Erasmus KA171 and other international cooperation projects . It has been participating in the Erasmus+ KA107/KA171 international credit mobility programme since around 2015 , working with several European universities including TalTech , Cádiz, Padova , Politecnico di Milano, Bari, UBI Covilha , Granada, Valencia, Yildiz, Óbuda , Powiślański and TalTech for student and staff exchanges . The university also takes part in Erasmus+ KA02 capacity -building projects (CBHE) such as ICMED , Arim -Net , AFREQEN , EL@N , and PRIMA- HortiMED , collaborating with partners across Europe and North Africa on higher-education innovation and research Recent Erasmus+ KA171 calls for student and staff mobility with partner universities (e.g., in Turkey, Poland , Spain) show ongoing engagement in international exchange activities 4. How will participants be selected at the Partner University, and what support will be provided to the applicants, outgoing and incoming mobility participants? Organisations should prepare the participants well for their project . Describe support before, during and after mobility (e.g. insurance, accommodation , visa assistance, integration activities , etc. ). Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) At the Partner University (Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra) , participants will be selected through a transparent and merit-based procedure coordinated by the International Relations Office in cooperation with the relevant faculties . Selection criteria typically include academic performance, relevance of the mobility to the study / teaching plan, language proficiency , motivation, and gender and social balance , in line with Erasmus+ KA171 principles . Calls for applications are publicly announced , and selection committees ensure fairness and equal opportunities . Support before mobility : Applicants receive guidance on application procedures , Learning/ Teaching /Training Agreements , visa documentation, insurance requirements , and practical information. Language and intercultural preparation is also provided where possible. Support during mobility : Incoming and outgoing participants are assisted with accommodation arrangements, administrative registration, local orientation, and integration activities . Academic mentors and administrative contact points support participants throughout their stay . Support after mobility : The university assists with recognition of credits (ECTS), validation of teaching /training activities , reporting , and dissemination of mobility outcomes , ensuring that the experience contributes effectively to academic and professional development . 5. H ow will mobility periods be recognised at the Partner University? Explain how staff participation is acknowledged and how student´s study or internship results are formally recognised. Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) At the Partner University (Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra) , mobility periods are fully recognised in accordance with Erasmus+ KA171 rules and the university’s academic regulations , ensuring transparency and academic integrity . Student mobility ( studies and internships ): Before mobility , a Learning Agreement (for studies or traineeships ) is approved by the home and host institutions, defining courses, workloads , and ECTS credits . After mobility , recognition is based on the Transcript of Records or Traineeship Certificate issued by the host university . Successfully completed credits are transferred and validated without academic loss , and the mobility period is officially recorded in the student’s academic file and, where applicable, in the Diploma Supplement . Staff mobility ( teaching and training): Staff participation is recognised through Teaching or Training Agreements approved prior to mobility . Upon completion , participants receive an official certificate of attendance , and the activity is formally acknowledged by the university as part of their professional duties , contributing to career development , pedagogical innovation, and international cooperation . This recognition framework ensures that all mobility outcomes are academically and professionally valued . 6 . What measures does the Partner University take to support participants with fewer opportunities ? Inclusion and diversity are part of the criteria to select applications for funding and to allocate financial support. Have a look at the Inclusion and Diversity Strategy: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/document/implementation-guidelines-erasmus-and-european-solidarity-corps-inclusion-and-diversity-strategy Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) Biskra University takes measures to support participants with fewer opportunities in its international mobility activities , including Erasmus+ KA171. For example , official calls for applications explicitly state that the Erasmus+ programme supports disadvantaged groups (e.g., students with special needs ) as part of eligibility and application conditions. The university’s selection procedures and mobility calls are designed to promote inclusion and diversity , ensuring that students and staff with fewer opportunities ( such as those with disabilities or socio-economic barriers ) are encouraged and supported to participate . Support measures may include prioritised consideration during selection , targeted information and application support, and assistance to ensure participation is feasible . These practices align with the Erasmus+ Inclusion and Diversity Strategy , which emphasises removing barriers to mobility and promoting equal access in all stages of international cooperation projects ( from application to completion ). Relevance of the strategy: Questions should be answered by t he applicant of the TalTech department in cooperation with the Partner University 1. P lease provide a short description of the planned cooperation between the TalTech Department and the Partner University. Why do both institutions wish to initiate this collaboration and implement staff and/or student exchange ? What complementarity similarities (e.g. study programmes, research areas) support this partnership? Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The planned cooperation between the TalTech Department and Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra focuses on Computer Science , with particular emphasis on Neuro- Symbolic Artificial Intelligence and Formal Methods in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics . Both institutions aim to strengthen academic and research collaboration through staff and student mobility , joint research activities , and co -supervision of graduate students . TalTech brings strong expertise in advanced AI, formal verification , and systems engineering, while Biskra University contributes solid research backgrounds in formal modeling, discrete-event systems , applied mathematics , and AI applications . This complementarity creates a fertile ground for knowledge exchange, joint publications, and curriculum enrichment . The collaboration is motivated by shared research interests , the desire to enhance international exposure for students and staff, and the objective of building long- term partnerships aligned with Erasmus+ goals. Mobility activities will foster skills development , promote interdisciplinary research in neuro- symbolic AI, and support capacity building and innovation at both institutions. 2 . What are the planned mobilities per project period (three academic years)? Select relevant: Staff mobility ☒ Incoming staff mobility for teaching (from Biskra University to TalTech ) Add n umber of participants: 4 Add d uration of visit per participant ( choose from 14 days): ☒ Outgoing staff mobility for teaching (from TalTech to Biskra University) Add n umber of participants: 4 Add d uration of visit per participant ( choose from 14 days ): ☒ Incoming staff mobility for training (from Biskra University to TalTech ) Add n umber of participants: 3 Add d uration of visit per participant ( choose from 7 days ): ☒ Outgoing staff mobility for training (from TalTech to Partner University) Add n umber of participants: 3 Add d uration of visit per participant ( choose from 14 days ): Student mobility ☒ Incoming student mobility for studies (from Biskra University to TalTech ) Add n umber of participants: 3 D uration of visit per participant (months): 5 months per student Add s tudy cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): Add s tudy field: ☒ Outgoing student mobility for studies (from TalTech to Partner University) Add n umber of participants: 3 D uration of visit per participant (months): 5 months per student Add s tudy cycle - (bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add s tudy field: Computer Science/Mathematics ☒ Incoming student mobility for traineeship (from Biskra University to TalTech ) A dd n umber of participants: 2 Add d uration of visit per participant ( 5 months ): Add s tudy cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add s tudy field: Computer Science/Mathematics ☒ Outgoing student mobility for traineeship (from TalTech to Biskra University) Add n umber of participants: 2 Add d uration of visit per participant ( 5 months ): Add study cycle - bachelor's (first cycle) master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle)): master's (second cycle) doctoral (third cycle) Add study field: Computer Science/Mathematics 3 . Justify the planned mobilities. Why did you ( TalTech department) and the Partner University choose the above selected mobility activities (staff and/or student mobility), the selected duration, and why were the selected study cycle s (e.g. Bachelor, Master, PhD) chosen , etc. Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The planned mobilities over the three academic years are designed to ensure balanced , sustainable , and high-impact exchange between TalTech and Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra, aligned with Erasmus+ KA171 objectives and the scientific focus on Computer Science, Neuro- Symbolic AI, and Formal Methods . Staff mobility for teaching ( incoming and outgoing ) is prioritised to support joint course delivery , curriculum enrichment , and knowledge transfer in advanced topics where both institutions have complementary expertise. A duration of 14 days is sufficient to deliver intensive teaching modules, seminars , and workshops while remaining compatible with academic schedules . Staff mobility for training enables academic and administrative staff to acquire new pedagogical , research , and digital skills , as well as best practices in research management and international cooperation . Shorter stays ( 7–14 days ) are appropriate for focused training and institutional capacity building. Student mobility for studies is planned mainly at the Master’s and Doctoral levels , where students possess the theoretical background needed to engage in advanced research-oriented courses and projects . A duration of 5 months allows full integration into the host institution, completion of coherent study units , and proper ECTS recognition. Traineeship mobility targets Master’s and PhD students to support hands-on research in laboratories and research groups, strengthening practical skills , joint supervision, and future joint publications. Overall , the selected mobilities ensure academic relevance, reciprocity , long- term collaboration, and strong learning outcomes for both institutions. 4 . Has your department previously cooperated with the region where the Partner University is located ? If yes, a dd a short overview of the previous cooperation , name the countries and unive rsities . Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) TalTech has previous cooperation experience with the North African region , including Algeria , Tunisia , Jordan etc. TalTech has participated in Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (KA107/KA171) and other international cooperation initiatives involving Mediterranean and Maghreb countries , aiming to strengthen academic exchange, research collaboration, and capacity building. Previous cooperation has included staff and student mobility , short- term teaching assignments , joint seminars , and exploratory research collaboration with universities in Algeria, Tunisia , and Morocco , particularly in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering, and Applied Mathematics . These activities have helped establish mutual understanding of academic systems , build trust between institutions, and create a foundation for sustainable partnerships. This prior regional experience facilitates the planned cooperation with Université Mohamed Khider de Biskra , as TalTech is familiar with the regional context , administrative frameworks , and academic strengths of partner institutions. The new collaboration builds on this experience while deepening cooperation in Neuro- Symbolic AI and Formal Methods , moving toward more structured and long- term academic and research engagement. 5 . Has there been previous cooperation between your department and the Partner University? If yes, a dd a short overview of the previous cooperation. Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) Yes, the TalTech Department has had prior cooperation with Biskra University through Erasmus+ KA107/KA171 mobility projects and academic exchanges. Previous collaboration included short- term staff teaching visits , joint seminars , and student mobility in Computer Science. These activities focused on knowledge exchange, curriculum enrichment , and capacity building in areas such as formal methods , and AI . The cooperation has also involved joint research discussions and exploratory projects , providing a foundation for structured collaboration in teaching , research , and traineeships . This prior engagement has built mutual trust, familiarized both institutions with each other’s academic systems , and demonstrated the potential for sustainable , long- term partnership through more extensive staff and student exchanges. P revious collaboration included one teaching mobility from TalTech to Biskra (14 days ), three teaching mobilities from Biskra to TalTech (5 days each ), one student mobility from TalTech to Biskra (14 days ), and one PhD student mobility from Biskra to TalTech (5 months ) . 6 . How do TalTech department and the P artner University expect that this project (the exchange of staff and/or students) to contribute to new education al and/or research cooperation in the Partner University ´s region? Please enter a joint explanation ( TalTech department and the Partner University) , up to 1000 characters. The TalTech Department and Biskra University expect this project to significantly strengthen educational and research cooperation in the region . By exchanging staff and students , both institutions will enhance curriculum quality , introduce advanced teaching methods , and foster interdisciplinary research in areas such as Neuro- Symbolic AI, Formal Methods, and Applied Mathematics . Mobility activities will facilitate joint supervision of graduate students , collaborative research projects , and co-publications , while exposing local students and faculty to international standards and best practices . The partnership will also build local capacity , promote digital and research skills , and create sustainable networks that support further regional collaboration , innovation , and integration into broader European and international research communities . Impact and dissemination Questions should be answered in cooperation with the Partner University 1. What realistic impact does your TalTech department expect this project ( through staff and /or student exchange) to have on TalTech ´s students, staff, and the institution as a whole ? Note that the expected impact must align with the scope of the project . Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The TalTech Department expects the project to have a direct and tangible impact on students , staff , and the institution . For students , it will provide enhanced learning opportunities , exposure to international teaching methods , and access to practical research projects in Neuro- Symbolic AI and Formal Methods. For staff , the project will strengthen teaching competencies , foster joint research , and promote international collaboration . At the institutional level , the exchange will enhance TalTech’s international profile , create sustainable partnerships , and support curriculum innovation , while reinforcing TalTech’s role in knowledge transfer , cross-cultural competence , and interdisciplinary research networks . Overall, the project will contribute to academic excellence, research productivity , and global engagement , aligned with TalTech’s strategic goals . 2. How will the exchange of students and staff with the Partner University i mpact the education and research landscape at the local, regional, or national level of Estonia? Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The exchange of students and staff with Biskra University will enrich the education and research landscape in Estonia by introducing diverse perspectives , international expertise , and collaborative research opportunities in Neuro- Symbolic AI, Formal Methods, and Applied Mathematics . TalTech students and staff will gain exposure to research challenges and applications from North Africa , fostering innovation and cross-cultural competence . At the local and national level , the collaboration will strengthen Estonia’s academic networks , increase the visibility of Estonian research , and create opportunities for joint publications and projects . The partnership will also support capacity building , curriculum enhancement , and internationalisation goals , positioning Estonia as an active contributor to global knowledge exchange and research development . 3 . What realistic impact does the Partner University expect this project ( through staff and /or student exchange) to have on its students, staff, and institution? Note that the expected impact must align with the scope of the project . Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) Biskra University expects the project to have a significant impact on students , staff , and the institution . For students , it will provide access to advanced courses , international research supervision , and practical experience in Neuro- Symbolic AI and Formal Methods , enhancing employability and research skills . For staff , the exchange will support professional development , joint research , and exposure to innovative teaching and research methods . Institutionally , the project will strengthen academic programs , foster international partnerships , and enhance the university’s research capacity and global visibility . Overall, the initiative will promote innovation , interdisciplinary collaboration , and sustainable academic networks , contributing to Biskra University’s mission to be a regional leader in quality higher education and research . 4 . How does the exchange of students and staff with TalTech impact the local, regional, or national education and research landscape of the Partner University? Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) The exchange of students and staff with TalTech will positively impact Algeria’s local , regional, and national education and research landscape by introducing international expertise , advanced methodologies , and best practices in Neuro- Symbolic AI, Formal Methods, and Applied Mathematics . It will enhance the quality of teaching and research at Biskra University , strengthen curriculum development , and provide students with practical and research-oriented international experience . Staff exchanges will foster joint research projects , co-publications , and capacity building , while creating sustainable academic networks . At the regional and national level , this collaboration supports knowledge transfer , promotes innovation , and positions Biskra University as a model for internationalisation and research excellence in Algeria and North Africa . 5 . How are the results of the mobility periods disseminated by the Partner Unive rsity ? How will you share your achievements? Please d escribe : D issemination activities ( e.g. collecting participant reports, sharing info on the university website, discussing the topic at meetings etc.) D issemination channels (e.g. publications, surveys, newsletters etc.). Will the dissemination take place on different levels (institutional, local, and national)? Enter your answer below (up to 1000 characters) Biskra University ensures systematic dissemination of mobility results at institutional , local , and national levels . Participants submit mobility reports and reflections , which are collected and reviewed by the International Relations Office. Outcomes are shared via university websites , newsletters , social media , and internal meetings , highlighting achievements , lessons learned , and research outputs . Staff and student experiences are also presented in seminars , workshops , and faculty meetings to inform peers and integrate knowledge into curricula . Selected results , joint publications , and conference presentations extend the impact to the national and regional higher education community , promoting best practices in international cooperation and showcasing the university’s engagement in Erasmus+ projects . N°: 03/2026 Biskra, 13 January 2026 LETTER OF INTENT Premise As a result of the recent correspondence between Prof. Laid KAHLOUL, department of computer sciences, University Mohamed Khider of Biskra (Algeria) and Prof. Juri VAIN, Department of computer sciences, University of Tal-Tech (Estonia)- it was decided to proceed with a Letter of Intent between the interested parties. Intent The University Mohamed Khider of Biskra is willing to sign an inter-institutional agreement between the Department of Computer Sciences of the Faculty of Exact Sciences at University Mohamed Khider of Biskra and the Department of Computer Sciences at Tal-Tech University in Estonia concerning the opportunity to cooperate in the field of the International Credit Mobility initiative (KA171 – Erasmus+ Programme), aimed at moving students and staff in the following academic years: 2026-2029. Should this cooperation be included in the institutional application of the University of Tal- Tech to be submitted to the National Agency and should the institutional application be subsequently approved by the National Agency, all details on the mobility flows and specific requirements and conditions will be formalised in the above mentioned inter-institutional agreement to be signed between the parties. Prof. Abdelhamid DJEFFAL Rector of Biskra University