In a bid to build on a growing international reputation, Australia’s leading universities have opened a new European office, the Group of Eight (Go8) Australia Centre Europe.
Berlin’s State Secretary for Science, Dr Hans-Gerhard Husung, and Australia’s Ambassador to Germany, Pamela Fayle, officially opened the Australia Centre Europe on September 30.
Among those at the opening were UQ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) Professor Grigg who joined Go8 Vice-Chancellors, diplomats, and senior representatives from universities, research organisations, government and business at the opening.
The Centre seeks to build on the strong ties that exist between Go8 universities and European universities and research organisations. It will position the Go8 to build on these relationships and develop new partnerships in research, scholarship and education.
“The Centre will promote strategic engagement between Group of Eight members and existing and new European partners. It will also promote Australia’s research strengths and achievements in Europe,” Go8 Chair and Vice-Chancellor of the Australian National University, Professor Ian Chubb, said.
“International engagement is a critical element in building Australia’s research strength and facilitating the exchange of staff and students.
“Increasingly, universities the world over are recognising the importance of international partnerships in leading-edge research and they are looking to strategic alliances with universities of similar values and standing.”
Professor Chubb said the Centre also would develop Go8 alumni networks which are important in maintaining academic and cultural ties.
“The Go8 believes that a permanent presence in Europe will push the boundaries of scientific and social achievement and provide students and staff on either side of the globe with exciting new career and study opportunities,” he said.
“We are particularly pleased that the Australia Centre Europe will have a close association with the Australian Embassy in Berlin and would like to thank Australia’s Ambassador, Her Excellency Ms Pamela Fayle, for her support, and that of Embassy staff, during the establishment phase of the Centre.
“We plan to work closely with all Australian Government representatives in European countries and the European Union.”
The Go8, a coalition of Australia’s leading research universities, attracts outstanding students and staff, win the greatest number of competitive research grants from the Australian government and are internationally recognised for their excellence in research and teaching. The member institutions are The Australian National University, The University of Adelaide, The University of Western Australia, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Queensland, The University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney.
For more information, contact Lorann Downer on (07) 3365-1088.
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