The University of Aberdeen and other leading European universities in agriculture and related sciences have signed a Letter of Intent at the Wageningen International Conference Centre in the Netherlands to work together to develop a network of quality universities.
The signing of the letter by the Principal of the University of Aberdeen (United Kingdom), and the Rectors of Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (Austria), Universität Hohenheim (Germany), The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (Denmark), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden), and Wageningen University (The Netherlands), is an important step in confirming the relationship between the universities, and their mutual cooperation in a newly-established European network for universities, the 'Euro League'.
Implications of the agreement will include easy mobility of students within study programmes of the different Euro League partner universities by full acknowledgment of courses and study programmes, the full use of university facilities, and financial and legal agreements.
Speaking from Wageningen, the Principal of the University of Aberdeen, Professor C Duncan Rice said: "This is an excellent opportunity for the University of Aberdeen to consolidate its position as the leading institution delivering university level education for the rural sector in Scotland while at the same time expanding our delivery into Europe"
Professor Paul Mitchell, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry said: "We are looking forward to working together with the other universities to further enhance the University of Aberdeen's position as a centre of excellence for Agriculture and Forestry in Europe."
"The University of Aberdeen was chosen due to its strong position with existing networks in educational research in Europe, and also through the work of CLUES, the Centre for Computer Based Learning in Land Use and Environmental Sciences at the University, which is developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the areas of agriculture, forestry and related sciences in networks across European Universities."
The main aim of the new Euro League will be to develop a network of quality universities in the field of agriculture, forestry and related sciences, such as animal and crop science and rural development. This network will enhance each partner university's position and capability by sharing expertise and costs in the development and delivery of their degree programmes.
The next stage in the development of the Euro League will be a working meeting in November 2001 at Wageningen to plan concrete actions between the universities.
Further information:
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.