The University of Aberdeen and Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia have formed a global alliance to deliver high-impact research and innovative teaching programmes.
The alliance, announced today (Wednesday 22nd February) will initially involve collaboration in four key areas: energy, medicine and health sciences, the creative arts and business.
A new Global Energy Institute will offer Masters students the opportunity to study in two of the regional energy capitals of the world. It will undertake research which is led by the needs of industry.
The Global Energy Institute aims to become a world-recognised organisation, delivering elite energy related research, education and ongoing professional development. It will utilise the respective market strengths of both universities – Aberdeen’s presence in Africa and Europe and Curtin’s presence in Asia – to provide a unique and extensive range of services and courses.
In medicine, the alliance offers staff and students an opportunity to share knowledge about working in remote areas and find solutions to the challenges of delivering healthcare in rural locations. In the creative arts, where such international alliances are rare, academics are already collaborating on creative writing courses incorporating topics such as travel writing and post-industrial places.
Initially, in 2017, twelve PhD students will also receive funding to carry out research projects in both Australia and Scotland.
It’s expected the alliance will open up new opportunities to bid for international research funding.
The Principal of the University of Aberdeen, Professor Sir Ian Diamond said, “This partnership creates new teaching programmes, more opportunities for students and staff to work in Australia, and closer connections with industry.
“In order to be successful in research and teaching it is essential to have international collaboration. Aberdeen and Curtin Universities are developing areas of mutual interest, combining our strengths and providing innovative solutions to global problems.”
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said: “The goal of the Alliance is to combine our strengths in research, teaching and industry connectedness in order to extend our global reach through joint appointments, collaborative research efforts and co-taught courses.
“By doing so, our goal is to secure our respective positions as genuinely global universities”
ENDS