University of Sydney joins Universitas 21 network

The network of 28 institutions brings together leading universities from around the world who share a common belief in the value of collaboration and internationalisation.

The network aims to improve the student experience, support researcher engagement and enhance educational innovation. Members collaborate across borders and share knowledge to create opportunities for researchers, staff and students, and address the common challenges facing the higher education sector globally.

The University of Sydney joins existing members including University College Dublin, India’s University of Delhi, Lund University in Sweden, UC Davis in the US, Glasgow and Edinburgh in the UK, Fudan University in China and the National University of Singapore. Fellow Australian members include the University of NSW, the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne.

The University’s involvement in the network will create opportunities for research partnerships and give staff the chance to share experiences and knowledge with colleagues around the world. For students, U21 offers opportunities to engage with international peers through study abroad programs, online initiatives and internships.

The University of Sydney’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, said joining U21 reflected the institution’s deep commitment to global engagement.

“We’re delighted to join this international network of leading universities,” said Professor Scott.

“The University of Sydney has a long history of collaboration with partners around the world. As we look to further strengthen our global engagement activities, the U21 network will offer rich opportunities for collaboration across teaching and research.

“In sharing ideas, resources and bringing people together, we can find new ways to approach the challenges that face the higher education sector and address the world’s most pressing problems.”

President of U21, Professor Tan Eng Chye, said the University of Sydney was ideally placed to work with U21 in promoting the internationalisation of higher education.

“We are pleased to welcome the University of Sydney to our network of world-class, research-intensive universities,” he said.

“The University of Sydney is already doing outstanding work with partners around the world. The University has the largest student exchange and study abroad program in Australia. Its success in tackling key global issues is evidenced in its second-place ranking in the most recent THE Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“The University of Sydney will bring a wealth of knowledge, ideas and experience to the network and we look forward to working together.”