Fostering relationships with these institutions—the University of Alberta, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Washington— is part of a long-term strategy for Sheffield, with synergies across the institutions in key areas of research strengths, including in the fields of artificial intelligence, clean energy, health and manufacturing.
Our international partnerships activities are driven by our core belief that we can achieve more when we work together with other like-minded and ambitious institutions. Collaborating with these world-leading institutions creates opportunities for research collaborations, student mobilities and knowledge exchange activities and it also helps build an awareness of Sheffield at these institutions and creates a positive association globally.
The whistle stop tour of North America saw the Vice-Chancellor renew memorandums of understanding (MOU) with the University of Alberta and with Penn State which will build on Sheffield’s respective collaborations with each institution, sharing resources and expertise in strategic areas of excellence.
On signing the MOU, Dr David Bressler at the University of Alberta, commented: “Our alliance with Sheffield builds on strong foundations at each institution in manufacturing and innovation in the resource industries, particularly in our approach with linkages between research and industry. We’re looking forward to sharing and developing our joint expertise.”
Alexandra Persiko, Interim Director of Global Partnerships at Penn State, said: “The engagement opportunities with the University of Sheffield offer exciting ways for us to collaborate across research and teaching to make a real impact on individuals and industries.”
The University of Alberta and the University of Washington are both strategic partners for Sheffield, with funding available for research and professional staff through the Partnerships Development Fund. As a result of the recent visit and the various discussions held, the University of Washington has announced that they will provide match funding for Sheffield collaborations as part of the fund, enabling more opportunities to be supported.
Vice Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington, Professor Jihui Yan, commented: “Solving complex challenges and making a meaningful difference can only be done when we work together. Our partnership with the University of Sheffield will bring together our two institutions to achieve more as one collective than we could hope to achieve by working alone.”
North America rivals the UK in terms of the ranking and expertise of its higher education institutions. Strengthening existing relationships and horizon scanning for new opportunities in this area of the world continues to be important across all areas of the University. Summarising the impact and importance of the visit, Professor Lamberts said: “Strategic visits such as this are an essential part of continuing our network and building reputation globally. The positive discussions held with Alberta, Penn State and Washington will expand our research opportunities and impact, develop new student and staff opportunities for exchanges and grow our reputation as we work together to make a difference.”