The High Commissioner of Canada, Jim Wright, visited the University of Aberdeen this week (Thursday 16 October) to discover more about the institute’s continuing efforts in forging links with Canadian organisations.
The Canadian diplomat will be joined by Trade Commissioner of Canada Pam Whittaker during the visit, which will showcase the University's partnerships with key Aberdeen based companies including Petro-Canada and Talisman.
Significant contributions have been made by both oil and gas companies to the University's multi-million pound fundraising campaign to create the new University of Aberdeen library.
Talisman have contributed £125K and Petro-Canada £100K, to the flagship £57million development which is scheduled to open in 2011, replacing the existing Queen Mother Library and Special Libraries and Archives on the King's College campus.
Mr Wright and Ms Whittaker will also learn more about the University scholarship programmes which are being funded by Talisman, Petro-Canada and CNR, benefiting students within the University's Colleges of Arts and Social Science and Physical Sciences.
Professor Stephen Logan, Senior Vice Principal at the University of Aberdeen said of the visit: "The University of Aberdeen is committed to developing partnerships with key international organisations. Whether in the form of scholarships which play a crucial role in nurturing new talent for the future, or through support of key University projects which will benefit not only students but also the wider Aberdeen community, creating mutually beneficial links between industry and academia is a prime objective.
"We are delighted to host the High Commissioner of Canada today and showcase the ongoing commitment between the University and some of Canada's most prominent organisations."