News | Friday, 14th May 2021
Three new global partnerships to support research, training and student mobility
University strengthen relationships in India, Malaysia and China
Manchester Metropolitan University is continuing to develop its global partnerships with the signing of three new Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute
The University has established a new a partnership in China between its Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and the Sichuan Energy Internet Research Institute (EIRI) – a research centre of the highly prestigious Tsinghua University.
The Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre is dedicated to the development of renewable energy through research in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. This new relationship with EIRI will enable sharing of research knowledge and industry experience, and development of a joint science programme around hydrogen fuel cells and the smart grid.
EIRI’s research is focused on cutting-edge technologies and industrial development in the field of Energy Internet, under the support of the Department of Electrical Engineering of Tsinghua University, which is consistently ranked as one of the best institutions in the world.
Amer Gaffar, Director of the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, said: “Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious Universities in China and this MoU with EIRI will allow both institutions to accelerate the work being done around renewable energy production, specifically the production of low carbon hydrogen, using intelligent solutions.”
This latest partnership follows the announcement that Manchester Met will be setting up a Joint Education Institute (JEI) with Hubei University in Wuhan, China.
The JEI will deliver dual Manchester Metropolitan University and Hubei University degree programmes for students in Wuhan, creating opportunities for collaboration in teaching and research between the UK and China, as well as benefits to students at both institutions.
The University is also expanding its relationships in other corners of the globe.
In recent weeks, MoUs have been signed with Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) in India, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Telangana State Council of Higher Education
The University is developing a partnership with Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) and setting up links between the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, to offer consultancy and training opportunities within the Telangana State around 3D printing additive manufacturing
In addition, they are working with Telangana State to explore collaborations with Telangana Mega Textile Park, Telangana’s new National Design Centre, and a new Media City hub, encompassing a range of subject areas.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Academics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering will work with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a public research university specialising in engineering, science and technology, to develop joint research bids from funders in Malaysia and the UK, facilitate student mobility programmes and to share industry-academia knowledge between the two countries.
They also have ambitions to create a joint MSc programme in the area of Industry 4.0 and Building Information Modelling (BIM), to be aligned with industry needs in both countries.
Prof Jenny Watling, Pro-Vice-Chancellor International, said: “The Faculty of Science and Engineering has established prestigious global partnerships in three of our key countries for internationalisation.
“The research link with an institute of Tsinghua University demonstrates the growing reputation our institution has internationally.
“It is more important than ever that our University continues to co-operate with international partners. I look forward to the outcomes of these new partnerships.”
