Nagoya University and the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom have agreed to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding for Strategic Partnership to further strengthen cooperation between the two universities. President Naoshi Sugiyama visited the University of Edinburgh on July 8 to sign the agreement. Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is a historic university that is highly regarded as one of the world's leading research universities.
Commenting on the signing of the agreement, President Sugiyama expressed gratitude on behalf of the academic community at Nagoya University: "We are very honored to have reached a strategic partnership agreement between the two universities. Our research collaboration has seen significant progress in more than 10 years of deep trust, remarkable scientific achievements, and educational collaboration ranging from a joint doctoral degree program to English language training programs. I would like to continue vigorous exchanges and work together to solve the many common issues that we face."
During our meetings, Kim Graham, Provost at the University of Edinburgh, and her colleagues indicated that following the agreement on the strategic partnership the University of Edinburgh hopes to strengthen collaboration to create synergies by leveraging the strengths of both universities. They agreed to establish a joint research seed fund in order to promote collaborative research exchange activities between the two universities feeling that it would be a good system for beginning to forge new collaboration and exciting new partnerships. She also mentioned their hope to expand the educational exchange across the whole of the university.
Based on the new Global Multi-Campus (GMC) international strategy initiative, Nagoya University plans to continue discussions with the University of Edinburgh to implement a new form of study (tailor-made study abroad) that combines various aspects of learning, such as online and offline, on-site and off-site campuses. Based on the conclusion of this agreement, Nagoya University plans to establish a Global Campus Preparation Office within the University of Edinburgh.
In attendance at the signing ceremony were representatives of three divisions that make up the University of Edinburgh, namely the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science and Engineering. They confirmed that their wish to develop new joint research projects through the establishment of a joint research seed fund and to further strengthen existing research exchanges.
We also met separately with and had an fruitful discussion with representatives of Edinburgh Innovations about future collaboration. This meeting focused on the location of the Tokai region, one of Japan's leading industrial clusters. They agreed to consider the possibility of further exchange in the future while taking advantage of the regional strengths of both universities.
The visit also included a visit to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the centerpiece of the latest and largest research and education reform at the University of Edinburgh. With the four basic principles of interdisciplinary, data-driven, challenge-taking, and co-creation, the university plans to collaborate in a number of fields in the future to expand its unique education and research.
In the meeting with Vice Principal for International Affairs, Professor James Smith indicated that he was very pleased to have reached an agreement with us that includes a strategic partnership and the implementation of a joint seed fund. He said that they will consider a suitable location for the establishment of the Nagoya University Global Multi Campus at the University of Edinburgh. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with both universities.
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Reference: Contents of the Memorandum (excerpt)
PROCLAMATION
We, the University of Edinburgh and Nagoya University, acting through our representatives at both academic communities, hereby proclaim that upon our mutual recognition of the values of responsibility and academic freedom in a democratic society, we shall commit to work for the peace, health and wellbeing of human society and this planet; healthy and sustainable social development; and knowledge creation and innovation.
In accordance with this proclamation, we shall enact and conclude this Memorandum of Understanding, which sets out the understanding of each party in relation to collaborative activities under the strategic partnership, where both parties aim to create a comprehensive and reciprocal special relationship by taking advantage of the strengths of both universities, exploring areas of complementarity and thereby achieving synergy.