The University of Aberdeen has joined forces with two other world-leading universities to develop innovative solutions to tackle key global issues, including the need to ensure a just energy transition while tackling climate change and securing a sustainable future.
The alliance with Curtin University in Australia and the University of Calgary in Canada was formally launched at a breakfast event held in Barcelona last week, where the agreement was signed by representatives from each university, including Senior Vice-Principal Karl Leydecker from the University of Aberdeen.
The agreement will harness each university’s globally renowned expertise in research and teaching to focus on the key challenges facing our planet, by facilitating academic collaboration and encouraging student and staff exchange.
Researchers will collaborate across academic disciplines in areas including the energy transition, as well as artificial intelligence and health.
Building on the successful existing alliance between Curtin and Aberdeen, the new partnership will provide opportunities to develop joint research centres, collaborative academic programs including PhD training, and to promote links with industry.
University of Aberdeen Principal, Professor George Boyne, commented: “Aberdeen is delighted to widen its existing strategic relationship with Curtin University to include the University of Calgary, working together on a tripartite basis to help secure a just energy transition and a more sustainable world.
“This global partnership will create even more opportunities for research collaborations between the three universities, enhancing our existing strengths in research related to the energy transition across a broad range of disciplines.
“Meanwhile, it will also create new opportunities in terms of student and staff mobility, helping our students achieve their potential and providing them with the skills required to become future leaders in the energy transition.”
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the Alliance represents an enduring way of working together to build global research capacity and positively impact our respective communities.
“This collaboration aims to address the key challenges and opportunities of our time while inspiring and nurturing the next generation of innovative and pioneering global citizens,” Professor Hayne said.
“Perth, Aberdeen and Calgary are all energy cities that are committed to developing environmental policy to help with the transition to more sustainable energy sources and as three major universities in those cities, together we will be able to leverage our passion and expertise to help reach those goals.”
Dr Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary said he would like to thank the University of Aberdeen and Curtin University for their commitment to global engagement.
“With this new strategic alliance, our universities are transcending borders and academic disciplines to consolidate scholarly excellence. Together, we can accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, Indigenous reconciliation and medicine, and offer unique perspectives,” Dr McCauley said.