Monash and Warwick team up for a global future

Monash University in Melbourne and The University of Warwick (UK) have signed a new agreement to create an alliance that will clearly establish both as “globally networked universities”. Vice-Chancellor for Warwick Professor Nigel Thrift and vice-chancellor for Monash Professor Ed Byrne, said in a joint statement they believed the new partnership would help meet the increasing student, industry and government demand for universities to produce graduates with a global education. Byrne said a core priority of the alliance would be to deliver a seamless international experience for students and prepare them for life in a globally integrated labour market. The Warwick Monash partnership will develop a range of jointly delivered degrees with students undertaking study at both universities. “More and more we’re finding that students expect an international aspect to their degree and industry are demanding that graduates can operate in the global environment from day one.” Thrift said Monash and Warwick had enjoyed a strong and productive relationship over many years - particularly through joint research projects - however the new alliance would take that relationship to a much deeper level. He said Monash was a compelling partner for Warwick. Both were born in the 1960s, and from their earliest days they have been recognised as pioneering universities, renowned for a fast-paced innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit that has brought rapid success and quickly built strong global reputations. Three of the ‘building-block’ initiatives for the new partnership are: • A commitment to jointly invest at least £2 million ($A3.2 million) to create at least 10 new joint senior academic posts. Ten posts will also be created in each institution which existing staff can apply for.• New joint PhDs and dual Masters programs in areas of strategic importance.• Warwick’s Undergraduate Research Scheme will be expanded to include Monash students. The scheme provides bursaries of up to £1000 ($A1,476) to allow undergraduate students to undertake a short research project.• Monash students will also join the board of the scheme’s associated journal Reinvention and contribute to that journal.