ACU Ambassadors Summit: Developing research partnerships for the SDGs

Commonwealth Flags against a blue sky
Date
25 Mar 2021

We are delighted to announce our third Ambassadors summit - Developing research partnerships for the SDGs - to be held on 25 March 2021.

The summit will provide an opportunity to hear from experts in establishing international research collaborations, and for members to share their experiences, expertise, and challenges in managing globally based partnerships and programmes of research.

There is currently a significant focus from academics, funders, and policymakers on the contribution that research can make to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and it is known that international collaboration for research and innovation is essential to this.

We are looking forward to opening this discussion to our ACU Ambassadors and using this opportunity to connect and learn from each other on how best to succeed in delivering equitable, successful, and impactful global research partnerships.

This is a great opportunity for ACU Ambassadors to meet staff at other member universities from across the Commonwealth.

How to register

ACU Ambassadors have been sent an email invite. Contact us if you are an ACU Ambassador and you have not yet received this.

Deadline to register: 11 March , 23:59 UTC

Become an ACU Ambassador

ACU Ambassador (formerly named ACU Champions)  should have an international remit (for example, international office, partnerships) at an ACU member university. ACU Ambassadors help facilitate stronger communication between the ACU and your university.

If you're interested in becoming an ACU Ambassador, read the Terms of Reference.

Meriel Flint O'kane

Meriel Flint-O’Kane
Head of Business and Programme Delivery at the ACU

Meriel is responsible for shaping the programme strategy and delivery to maximise the impact of ACU programmes in building a better world through higher education. She has a background in international development and higher education and has previously held roles at Kings College London, UK Research and Innovation and Oxfam. She has experience managing strategic global research and funding collaborations including work with the Newton Fund and Global Challenges Research Fund.

Matthew Hornshaw Headshot

Matt Hornshaw
Interim Head of Membership and International Strategic Engagement at the ACU

Matt is the prime contact for our network of 500 global universities. Matt is nearing his 30th year in the international education sector having held senior positions in private and public sector universities and organisations and with expertise in institutional strategic partnership development, trans-national education and a passion for providing access to education for those that may otherwise miss out.

Headshot Of Dr Akanimo Odon

Dr Akanimo Odon
CEO, Envirofly Consulting UK
Africa Strategy Adviser, Lancaster University

Dr Akanimo Odon is currently Africa Strategy Adviser for Lancaster University and CEO of Envirofly Consulting UK, which specialises in strategic partnerships between UK and African institutions. In ten years, he has developed over 200 strategic educational partnerships between universities in over 30 countries, delivered innovative research impact and management training to over 10,000 researchers and mentored over 1,000 young researchers and entrepreneurs.

Headshot Of Dr. Sumiani Yusoff

Dr Sumiani Yusoff
Director, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, University of Malaya (UM)

Dr Sumiani Yusoff is the Director of the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Chairperson of UM’s Sustainability and Living Labs Secretariat. Committed to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable development, her leadership and vast experience working with local and international organisations have successfully synergised the campus sustainability agenda with the launch of UM’s Eco-Campus Blueprint and the introduction of an action translational research programme.

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