As ARENAS responds to the sensitive issue of extremist narratives, careful planning, and effective project management are fundamental to the project’s operation. Julien Longhi, Full Professor at CY Cergy Paris Université, serves as the coordinator of the ARENAS project. Under his leadership, Work Package 1: Coordination and Project Management tackles the responsibility of guiding the project towards its objectives. Longhi has various interests, including his daily run, on which he is often joined by ARENAS colleagues at consortium meetings, it has become a great support for team building. His expertise in political discourse and applied linguistics, along with his commitment to inclusion, sets a strong tone for the consortium.
CY Cergy Paris Université is tasked with ensuring the smooth implementation of the project, adhering to scientific integrity, timely delivery, contribution to impact, and budget constraints. The collaborative spirit within the WP1 team is evident, driven by a shared purpose and camaraderie among its members. Axelle Dimpre, the project manager, demonstrates dedication and professionalism, embodying the ethos of the WP1 team. Together with WP leaders from diverse backgrounds, the team navigates project management complexities with agility.
The diligent planning by Longhi and his team ensures that every aspect of the project aligns with its overarching goals. WP1 focuses on facilitating robust communication channels among consortium members, essential for collaboration across borders and disciplines. Through regular meetings and proactive engagement, a collaborative environment is developed for idea exchange and collective decision-making.
Central to WP1’s mandate is the enforcement of quality assurance processes, ensuring that all deliverables and published materials meet the highest standards of excellence, as outlined in the “Project Handbook”. WP1 will produce a Quality Assurance Report, to be delivered before the ARENAS mid-term review. It will include a set of indicators for project evaluation on quality, impact, engagement, gender and equality, and share the use of these in relevant tools such as the Gender Equality Action Plan.
One of the hallmark achievements of WP1 to date lies in the development of the Data Management Plan (DMP), a comprehensive framework delineating the lifecycle of project data. Crafted with precision and foresight, the DMP serves as a blueprint for responsible data stewardship, safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
As the project progresses, WP1 remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability. Regular updates and periodic reviews ensure that the project remains on course, poised to deliver impactful outcomes that resonate across societal landscapes.
For Julien Longhi, leading WP1 represents not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal journey towards effecting positive change. The convergence of expertise, passion, and camaraderie within the consortium epitomizes the essence of the ARENAS project—a collaborative endeavour aimed at reshaping narratives and fostering inclusive societies.
