Representatives from four universities on four continents met at Stellenbosch University (SU) recently to discuss a multilateral partnership between their institutions. Delegates from Stellenbosch University (SU), University of Bath (United Kingdom), Zhejiang University (China) and University of Campinas (Brazil) came together for the first time to discuss models of engagement and establishing mutual points of interests. Chaired by Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bath, the group included Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, Prof Colin Grant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, Prof Alvaro Penteado Crósta, Vice Rector of University of Campinas and Prof Yonghua Song, Executive Vice President of Zhejiang University. The visitors also met with Prof Wim de Villiers.

With a combined alumni base of over 1 million, the group of four major global universities agreed to develop an innovative doctoral programme in key disciplines in which students would have several mobility experiences across this intercontinental network. There was further agreement to support research mobility, doctoral summer/winter schools and joint degrees and also to develop a new global master's in management.

Prof Colin Grant, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Internationalisation at the University of Bath, said the formation of this network is the culmination of much effort by colleagues at the four universities and represents a watershed moment in shared international strategies.

Representatives from SU, University of Bath, Zhejiang University and the University of Campinas. 

hoto: Hennie Rudman