UCalgary joins international university alliance to address global issues

The University of Calgary, Curtin University, and the University of Aberdeen have joined forces to create a strategic alliance to develop innovative solutions to global energy transition, climate change and sustainability challenges facing our planet.

The tripartite alliance will leverage each university’s reputation for world-leading research and teaching, focusing on the areas of energy transitions, artificial intelligence, health, Indigenous cultural studies and reconciliation.

• Photo above: Alliance launch and signing ceremony in Barcelona Sept. 15. From left: Prof. Karl Leydecker, senior vice-principal, University of Aberdeen; Dr. Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost and associate vice-president research, University of Calgary; Prof. Jeremy Kilburn, provost, Curtin University. Photo by Roger Fonts, The Artisan Photo Studio, Barcelona 

Building on the existing partnership between Curtin and Aberdeen, the new commitment will also provide opportunities to develop joint research centres, collaborative academic programs including PhD training, industry linkages and staff and student mobility between the three universities.

“I 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," says Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary.

Together, we can accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, Indigenous reconciliation and medicine, and offer unique perspectives.

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,” 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.”

The strategic alliance announcement was made at a signing ceremony and panel discussion at the Barcelona 2022 European Association for International Education Conference on Sept. 15 and attended by representatives of the three universities.

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.”

Further information on the alliance, can be found online.