2014 -15
ANNUAL REPORT
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CONTENTS
03
06
10
04
07
16
2014-15 IN NUMBERS
OUR PRIORITIES
WHAT UK HE SAYS ABOUT US…
KEEPING THE SECTOR INFORMED
HELPING UK UNIVERSITIES TO DEVELOP THEIR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
INCREASING INFLUENCE ON INTERNATIONAL POLICY
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2014-15 IN NUMBERS
108
48
IU staff visits to 60 universities in 2015 to help us understand institutional priorities.
representatives from 27 UK universities accompanied us on 14 outbound delegations to 9 different countries.
56
32%
overseas universities participated in 13 inbound delegations, meeting with 50 UK universities, a total of 194 UK and overseas participants.
increase in Community of Practice membership, now involving 131 institutions
172 people representing 99 universities and sector organisations took part in our 2014-15 series of HEGlobal seminars and events on transnational education.
Since 2012 our postgraduate support service has... received almost
3000 enquiries
supported more than
600
prospective government scholars supported
76
Newton PhD scholars in 2014-15.
WE DELIVERED... WE PROMISED...
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...INTELLIGENCE AND ACCESS
...TO PROMOTE UK HE INTERNATIONALLY
...TO FACILITATE LONGTERM COLLABORATIONS AND POSTGRADUATE RECRUITMENT
...TO CONSULT WITH THE SECTOR ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
…the first analysis of the impact of outward mobility on graduate employment by linking HESA and DLHE data for the first time.
…a strategy to support stronger ties between the UK and India in HE, building key relationships with influencers, promoting the UK sector in India and advancing negotiations about qualifications recognition.
…an expansion of the IU’s postgraduate support service to support Newton as well as Ciência Sem Fronteiras (CsF UK) scholars.
…through seeking guidance from the sector on issues ranging from the Newton Fund, the future of CsF, academic mobility to India, and the simplification of Horizon 2020, to the risks and benefits of engaging with Iran.
…33 networking events including conferences, seminars, round tables, Communities of Practice, Newton Fund Network, HEGlobal, and Outward Mobility events. …seminars presented and led by IU staff, at 47 different HE sector events internationally.
…an annual programme of inbound and outbound delegations (13 inbound and 14 outbound in 2014-15).
…a Newton partner matching service which supported over 60 Newton Fund partner country researchers to identify UK collaborators.
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...TO PLAY A STRONG ROLE IN EUROPE
...TO INFLUENCE POLICY INTERNATIONALLY
...TO COMMUNICATE AND DISSEMINATE OPPORTUNITIES
…by averting £500m planned cuts to the Horizon 2020 budget.
…through influencing funding decisions to increase support for collaboration with India and China; representing the UK sector in major diplomatic fora in India, China, Mexico, Malaysia; and lobbying successfully to extend eligibility in Indonesia and Peru.
…by opening up new opportunities in teacher training around the world by connecting overseas governments who need teacher training assistance with universities in the UK who can deliver it, including in Panama, Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador.
…by launching the Universities for Europe campaign, in collaboration with Universities UK. 149 articles have been written about the campaign so far in over 70 media outlets.
“The IU continues to make a major impact on the projection of the sector worldwide and is committed to concrete deliverables in all its work.” Professor Colin Grant, Pro Vice-Chancellor International, University of Bath
“The IU’s work on policy both inside the UK (the EU campaign) and internationally (e.g. negotiating a sustainable deal for UK HEIs within the SwB framework) is also incredibly helpful and important to us.” Dr Valentina Seravalle, Senior Partnerships Manager, Royal Holloway University of London
WHAT UK HIGHER EDUCATION SAYS ABOUT US…
“It is the scope of the IU remit, and the connecting of the wide range of activities across internationalisation that is most valuable. This clarity helps us, as a University, to provide strategic focus to our activities […] Thank you for providing an essential and very informative service that continues to have a significant impact and influence on our Internationalisation activities.” Jason Norris, Head of International Operations, University of Dundee
“In the ever more competitive world of international Higher Education, the International Unit within UUK is an invaluable resource which adds an important sectorwide dimension to our own institutional international expertise…Working with the IU provides important continuing professional development; raises awareness of policy developments and changes. It also opens doors to new and developing markets and fosters research initiatives.” Dr Anthony Manning, Director of the Centre for English and World Languages (CEWL), Kent International Pathways and Kent Extra, University of Kent
“As a specialist institution, we greatly value the help, support, global networks and opportunities that the IU can bring to our organisation.” Professor Peter Mills, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Harper Adams University
We value the work of the IU, especially at a time when funding is shrinking and the number of global opportunities are growing. As a small, specialist HE institution with a large Erasmus mobility, we need the support and intelligence that the IU gives us.” Professor Michael Earley, Principal Rose Bruford College
IU Stakeholder Survey 2015:
94% AGREED: ‘The IU communicates effectively with my institution’ (up from 83% in 2014)
95% AGREED: ‘The IU supports my institution by informing us of new opportunities’ (up from 83% in 2014)
90% AGREED: ‘I use or consult the IU’s information and advice’
KEEPING THE SECTOR INFORMED “We particularly value the IU’s research and insights into key international education trends and developments (e.g. outward mobility, international bulletins), which we often use and refer to in our work.”
“We participate in as many activities as we can and we have always been very satisfied with the events and digital publications that the IU put together. Without their help we wouldn’t be in the position we are today. Thanks!”
Dr Valentina Seravalle, Senior Partnerships Manager, Royal Holloway University of London
Alejandra Vicencio, International Partnerships Manager, University of Northumbria
85%
95%
AGREED: International Focus newsletter is ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’
AGREED: ‘The IU supports my institution by informing us of new opportunities’ (up from 86% in 2013/14)
87%
90%
AGREED: The IU website is ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’ (up from 72% in 2013-14)
AGREED: ‘I use and/or consult the IU’s information and advice to inform my work’
86%
AGREED: ‘The IU represents the interests of my institution effectively’
7 The IU has 10,179 subscriptions to its newsletters and received 528, 124 views across all its websites in 2014-15. CsF UK Facebook activity
There are
1,234
students in the Cohort 6 Facebook group (September 2015) There is a total of
6,841
students across all Facebook groups for the various cohorts
12,352 ‘likes’ on the CsF UK Facebook page
“The Communities of Practice, and associated expert advice from the excellent Policy Officers, have provided valuable support for my institution in developing and taking forward our international objectives.� Juliette Sargeant, Head of International Relations Unit, Academic Development, University of the Arts, London
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COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE In 2014-15 CoP membership increased to 596 members from 131 institutions (a 32% rise in overall membership and a 19% increase in the number of institutions represented compared to 2013-14). No. of members
No. of individual institutions represented
Newton Fund Network
93
52
Outward Mobility CoP
118
71
Asia CoP
73
73
Europe CoP
93
53
Latin America CoP
166
67
MENA CoP
75
21
Region/Topic
The International Unit has Communities of Practice for Outward Student Mobility, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, for 2015 the IU inaugurated the Newton Fund Network to bring together professionals responsible for maximising their university’s involvement in the fund. These communities of experts meet two to four times a year to discuss major issues in these areas, share best practice, and hear from experts on relevant topics such as funding opportunities in their region. This is an opportunity for senior managers and expert practitioners in the higher education sector to work closely with the International Unit, so that we can involve the sector directly in our policy discussions and decisions. They are an invaluable channel for the International Unit to gather advice on developments relating to a particular region or topic.
“I have experience of the Communities of Practice and think these are excellent - not just in the information they impart but in the opportunity to network with other key individuals across the sector.” Professor Michèle Clarke, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Asia-Pacific and Professor of Environmental Change, University of Nottingham
86% AGREED Communities of Practice are ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’ (43% rated these as ‘very valuable’). Stakeholder Survey 2015
89% AGREED Advice and analysis from IU staff is ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’ (up from 75% in 2014) Stakeholder Survey 2015
HELPING UK UNIVERSITIES TO DEVELOP THEIR INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES The Newton Fund About the IU’s role in the Newton Fund The IU has informed the development of the Fund and fed back the sector’s experience and priorities to government and delivery partners through its role in the Fund’s governance and advisory structures. The IU has been actively involved in supporting the sector in their engagement in the Newton Fund through a programme of events, bespoke communications, and the establishment of a Newton Fund Network. The Unit is also working in partnership with the British Council to deliver a bespoke Postgraduate Support Service (PGSS) for the Newton PhD programmes as well as a partner matching service for Researcher and Institutional Links.
IU Newton support No. PhD students supported
76
No. researchers supported (Researcher Links and Institutional Links calls)
60
No. email enquiries
547
“The IU plays a crucial role in making sense of the Newton Fund, both for UK universities and for our potential partners. This was particularly the case during the early days of the fund, when timely information was sometimes elusive. Without the IU, it would have been very difficult to encourage our academics to engage with what is a very complicated suite of opportunities and it would have been nearly impossible to support them in their applications.” Dr Elisa Lawson, Assistant International Research Funding Manager, Newcastle University
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“The Newton Fund event was a good example of the IU bringing the agencies together and conveying to the (hard to please!) UK institutions how complex and difficult the task is.� Dr William Mitchell, Director of International Development, University of Bradford
THE NEWTON FUND Key Achievement 1
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AN IU INFORMATION AND NETWORKING CONFERENCE ON THE NEWTON FUND, ATTENDED BY 160 PEOPLE FROM 70 UK UNIVERSITIES
COMMUNICATING AND DISSEMINATING NEWTON FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
NEWTON PARTNER MATCHING SERVICE
This event was followed by a series of regional Newton Fund events (in partnership with Universities Scotland, Universities Wales and Queens University Belfast) and university visits, reaching another 35 institutions. As a consequence of the popularity of these events, the IU has set up the Newton Fund Network, a community for members to learn about Newton Fund opportunities and share experiences and best practice. The Network currently has 93 members from 52 institutions. The first meeting took place on the 23 September 2015.
The IU also produces the Newton Funding Bulletin which list all current calls and which reaches over 2,400 subscribers, an increase of 143% on last year, demonstrating the impact of our role communicating and disseminating funding opportunities.
Over 60 Newton Fund country researchers have been supported by the IU to help identify UK partners for Researcher links and Institutional links calls.
The IU has received and responded to over 500 Newton Fund email queries from researchers and prospective postgraduate research students in the Philippines, Egypt, Colombia, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil and the UK.
“The work of the IU as a national contact point for the BIS Newton programme is incredibly useful.” Louise Heery, International Networks and Collaborations Manager, University of Leeds
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HEGLOBAL Transnational education (TNE) - where UK awards are delivered overseas – is growing fast. The IU and British Council’s joint HEGlobal Programme supports UK universities in their TNE activity, creating a hub for debate and sharing best practice around current issues in transnational education. In 2014-15, HEGlobal ran a successful programme of information and networking seminars and events, as well as commissioning research and sharing information. HEGlobal also works with governments and sector organisations to support TNE, providing a collective voice for UK universities on TNE-related policy and creating a hub for dialogue around TNE, supporting UK universities to maximise their TNE performance. The programme has been expanded in 2014-15 and, due to the high level of current interest in TNE, has achieved additional support from UPP for 2015-16.
“The debate was intriguing and covered a huge range of issues.” Paul Angrave, Executive Officer to the Pro ViceChancellor International, De Montfort University, and delegate at TNE: An Illustrated View (October 2014)
‘@he_global workshop on the value of TNE, probably the most informative event I’ve attended on TNE…’ @eewilkinson, January 2015
Key Achievement 1 GROWING THE HEGLOBAL VIRTUAL COMMUNITY One of HEGlobal’s aims is to get new ideas and views from all levels of the TNE community to practitioners, in order to create a regular flow of new information via blogs from experts, as well as Twitter and Linkedin discussion groups from a growing range of voices from UK universities, TNE researchers, practitioners and policy-makers. Interest in joining our community keeps building: we have over 800 Twitter followers, more than 800 LinkedIn connections, and an increasingly active LinkedIn discussion group with almost 150 UK HE members.
Key Achievement 2 DELIVERING GAME CHANGING WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS Between October 2014 and June 2015 we held seminars on due diligence, financial management, costing and tax, improving and understanding TNE data, and the role of technology in TNE. 172 people took part, representing 99 universities and HE sector organisations.
Key Achievement 3 ESTABLISHING OURSELVES AS A TRUSTED PARTNER FOR CRITICAL TNE DEVELOPMENTS The IU represented the sector, providing a voice for universities in discussion about the quality assurance of TNE. HEGlobal’s collective voice helped in shaping BIS-funded research on the value of TNE to ensure that it was as useful as possible to university leaders, academics and policy makers.
OUTWARD STUDENT MOBILITY The Go International team have presented on the programme and their research 24 times in 2014-15. The Go International programme was established by the IU to work with universities and colleges, government, and sector organisations to help tackle the barriers to UK student mobility. The programme was created in response to pressure on universities to produce graduates ready for the world beyond their degree in an increasingly globalised job market. Its aim is to help increase the proportion of UK students who have an international experience, and the IU supports UK universities to get more students to study or work abroad to enhance their employability, cultural diplomacy and language skills.
Excluding those who said they did not know or did not participate in the programme,
95%
of survey respondents said that the Outward Mobility programme was ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’ IU Stakeholder survey 2015
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GONE INTERNATIONAL: MOBILE STUDENTS AND THEIR OUTCOMES THE IMPACT OF OUR RESEARCH
ENABLING PRACTITIONERS TO LEARN NEW APPROACHES, SHARE OPPORTUNITIES AND OVERCOME CHALLENGES
A NEW, COMPREHENSIVE, NATIONAL BENCHMARK FOR OUTWARD MOBILITY DATA
The Gone International report was launched in March, and the findings have been presented 12 times to more than 500 professionals in the HE sector. The findings now feature on 23 websites, and have received considerable attention in the media and on social media, demonstrating the reach and impact of our research. Many institutions are now using the Gone International report in their promotional material and study abroad information sessions, as well as a tool for internal lobbying within institutions.
The IU’s Go International Programme has hosted a range of capacity building events to provide practitioners and senior management in UK HE with a platform for professional development and sharing best practice. With workshops on student finance, quality assurance and widening participation in student mobility programmes, and a one day international conference for 115 professionals in the sector, the programme has enabled practitioners to learn new approaches, share opportunities and reflect on and overcome challenges collectively.
The IU worked with HESA to improve the way it collects outward mobility data and, this year, used the improved data to produce a new, comprehensive, national benchmark for outward mobility data to identify shorter term mobility, location and purpose. This analysis has provided a baseline for outward mobility of UK students, and clearly identifies which students go abroad, length of mobilities, types of placement and destination. This analysis enables the International Unit and the sector to develop a clear understanding of the state of mobility in the UK and informs discussions about setting realistic and achievable targets for increasing outward student mobility at an institutional level.
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“I found the sessions to be really useful and focused. I feel that I have come away with specific ideas and information that I can apply at my institution. The conference has made me feel positive about where the sector is heading.� Laura Bulmer, International Relations Administrator, Imperial College London
INCREASING INFLUENCE ON INTERNATIONAL POLICY 1
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DEFENDING INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH
BETTER CONNECTED
GULF EVENTS AND NETWORKING
The IU has strengthened UK sector relations, creating new agreements and high profile delegations to further collaboration with Mexican, Chilean, Indian, German, Chinese, Vietnamese, Brazilian, Indonesian, Turkish and Egyptian rectors associations or similar bodies.
The IU and its partners brought over 200 UK university representatives together with Qatari, Emirati and Kuwaiti researchers and funders at high profile networking events and worked as the UK partner in creating the Qatar - UK Research Networking Programme.
Through its lobbying strategy the IU successfully averted €500m worth of the cuts to the European Research Council and Maarie-Sklodowska Curie Actions proposed to finance the European Fund for Strategic Investments.
6 “IU lobbying is vital, especially at this time, given rapid visa changes which are affecting our student recruitment.” Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, University of Portsmouth
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CHINA INNOVATION FUNDING SECURED
INFLUENCED UK GOVERNMENT POLICY ON THE ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Securing £180K new funding from UK government to support innovation partnerships with China.
The IU was influential in securing and shaping a major new funding stream from the Department for International Development, which will support UK universities in partnership with Southern partners to create system level change in higher education in developing countries.
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Key Achievement 4
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UNIVERSITIES FOR EUROPE
A STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE UK HE SECTOR PERFORMANCE IN INDIA
With Universities UK, the International Unit launched the Universities for Europe campaign in June. In April 2015, the IU successfully organised the largest delegation of UK Vice-Chancellors to Brussels ever to argue for sustainable investment in research and to raise the profile of UK higher education in Brussels.
8 Key Achievement 8 SECURING NEW OPPORTUNITIES The IU reached an agreement with PRONABEC to increase the number of Peruvian scholars in the UK, and expanded the number of UK universities eligible for the scholarship, working closely with UKTI and FCO to enable HEIs to access new teacher training and English language opportunities in Panama, Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador.
The IU has been building strong relationships with decision-makers in the Indian government through our participation (on behalf of the UK sector) in the India Bilateral Forum; successfully arguing for a continuation of the UKIERI programme; and hosting inward and leading outward missions to create networking opportunities. The IU has also been working hard to advance the negotiations about the recognition of the UK one year masters in India by building consensus on potential solutions; and by providing evidence to dispel concerns about Indian Standard XII recognition.
“Policy officers who are assigned to specific regions are invaluable and always very willing to engage, advise and follow up on matters of policy contexts and opportunities within their regions. This is a unique service unparalleled elsewhere.” Professor Anne Moran, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Engagement, St Mary’s University, Twickenham
88% AGREED ‘The IU influences positively UK policy on HE and international issues’
88% AGREED ‘The IU influences positively UK policy on HE and international issues’
EUROPEAN POLICY The IU has continued to ensure that UK universities have a strong voice in Brussels, making the case for protecting and prioritising investment in EU research funding, building alliances with EU policymakers and other National Rectors’ Conferences; and providing a university voice on important issues from data protection to copyright reform. The IU has also, in partnership with Universities UK, jointly launched the Universities for Europe campaign which aims to raise awareness of the support EU membership provides to universities in making a positive contribution to the economy, society and individuals in the context of the planned UK referendum.
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THROUGH ITS LOBBYING EFFORTS, THE IU SUCCESSFULLY AVERTED €500M WORTH OF CUTS TO HORIZON 2020
THE LARGEST EVER DELEGATION OF UK VICE-CHANCELLORS TO BRUSSELS
The deal ring-fences three important Horizon 2020 budget lines, including the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and represents a victory for the science and research community, which has been vocal in reminding the European Commission of the fundamental value of European research funding for long-term growth and competitiveness.
Key Achievement 2 ENSURING A STRONG UK VOICE IN THE BOLOGNA PROCESS The IU accompanied the UK delegation, led by Jeremy Clayton, Director of International Knowledge and Innovation at BIS to Yerevan, Armenia in May 2015, for the 2015 Bologna Ministerial Summit. The conference endorsed priorities for the European Higher Education Area from 2015-2018, shaped collaboratively by European Governments and stakeholders including the International Unit.
In April 2015, at a pivotal point in negotiations on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the IU led the largest ever delegation of UK vice-chancellors to Brussels to meet with MEPs and senior officials, and to host a reception at the UK Ambassador’s residence which included speeches from Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, ViceChancellor of the University of Cambridge and Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cardiff. The event was attended by 135 UK university leaders, high-level EU officials and Members of the European Parliament, and generated international news coverage.
Key Achievement 4 INCREASING UK UNIVERSITIES’ BENEFIT FROM THE ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME The IU lobbied the Commission to open a second call for underused Erasmus+ funds for partnerships outside Europe, and successfully intervened to prevent a budgetary shortfall, which could have meant cuts of over £100,000 for some institutions.
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSITIES UK, THE INTERNATIONAL UNIT LAUNCHED THE UNIVERSITIES FOR EUROPE CAMPAIGN IN JUNE 2015
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCES FOR SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING
The Universities for Europe launch event took place in July 2015 at UCL, at an event hosted by Professor Michael Arthur, with contributions from Dame Julia Goodfellow, Chuka Umunna MP and the Rt Hon Damian Green, securing 149 pieces of media coverage, including a front page feature article in The Independent. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the benefits of EU membership for universities and their contribution to the economy, society and individuals, among the university community and the general public. The early impact of the campaign is evident from UKIP’s appointment of a science spokesperson and an event on EU research in Cambridge in September 2015, which was trending on Twitter in London.
The IU has invested a significant amount of time in building alliances across Europe and with EU institutions, in order to be a strong voice in Brussels on areas from research funding to copyright. The IU has established a schedule of regular informationsharing sessions between National Rectors’ Conferences and the EUA. In addition, board-to-board meetings between the UUK and Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) took place in February 2015, and resulted in a joint letter to the Financial Times from the UUK and HRK presidents underlining the importance of sustainable investment in European research, as well as a joint meeting with Commission Vice-President for Growth, Jobs and Competitiveness, Jyrki Katainen.
“UKRO has worked closely with the IU on European matters and has found this collaboration very useful over the past year. The IU and UKRO have remained in regular contact to ensure that our work is complimentary and mutually beneficial at all times and is looking forward to continuing our work together. The IU has organised a very successful Brussels event and has produced excellent briefing materials and responses to consultations on EU research and innovation policy and funding.” Inga Benner, Deputy Director, UKRO
AMERICAS POLICY The IU has built excellent relationships across the Americas with regional rectors’ councils and national associations of universities, recognising that their local knowledge, expertise and specialist networks add substantially to the IU’s capacity to support UK institutions working in Latin America. We have focused particular attention on encouraging new relationships between the UK sector and the Mexican and Chilean university systems, building on a 2014 mission of UK universities to Chile, and taking advantage of the opportunities associated with the 2015 Dual Year of the UK and Mexico. There has been a surge of interest from the region’s governments in accessing UK universities’ expertise in teacher training, in support of major reforms to public school systems.
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2015 YEAR OF MEXICO AND THE UK FOR EDUCATION
TEACHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT UK UNIVERSITIES FOR PANAMA, URUGUAY, PERU AND ECUADOR
Working with Universities UK equivalents in Chile and Mexico, we delivered the largest delegations of Chilean and Mexican university leaders to the UK in living memory. In May 2015, working with the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), we hosted 19 Chilean rectors and senior international staff, generating dozens of new interactions in teaching and research and prompting the signing of a number of new partnership agreements with UK universities. Following the signing of a partnership agreement with Mexico’s National Association of Universities (ANUIES) in March 2015, witnessed by the President of Mexico, we worked with ANUIES to bring 32 representatives of ANUIES member institutions to the UK in June, to coincide with the British Council’s 2015 Going Global conference in London.
“I find the LATCOP meetings particularly useful as an opportunity to meet with colleagues also focused on the Americas. These meetings provide a great opportunity to stay up to date on developments in terms of funding and new opportunities to engage through delegations.” Oliver Trumble, Senior Strategy Officer (Americas), King’s College London
The IU has worked to identify and develop opportunities for UK universities to support the provision of international teacher training, responding to the requirements of overseas Ministries of Education. This has focused on intensive courses of UK-based study for in-service teachers, to boost skills in English language teaching, leadership and pedagogy. There is also interest in longer, accredited courses both for in-service and trainee teaching staff, encompassing iPGCEs, taught Masters degrees, and other forms of study focusing on teaching skills within particular subject disciplines. We have worked closely with UKTI Education, British Embassies, and UCET (the Universities Council for the Education of Teachers) to promote calls for expressions of interest to the UK sector.
21 Key Achievement 3 PRONABEC SCHOLARSHIP IN THE UK The IU has been working with PRONABEC, Peru’s national scholarship agency, to design an agreement under which the International Unit will support Peruvian students from disadvantaged backgrounds seeking to study postgraduate degrees at UK higher education institutions. The agreement was signed by Peru’s Minister of Education, Jaime Saavedra Chanduví, in November 2014. The IU has helped to expand the list of UK universities eligible for the scheme. The first students are expected to come to the UK in September 2016, and we are working closely with the FCO in Peru to promote the opportunity to Peruvian students.
“Following from the CRUCH meeting at King’s in London, I can confirm that Newman University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three Catholic members: Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepcion; Universidad Católica del Maule; and Universidad Católica de Temuco. Following from the MoU, the three rectors and myself are determined to identify and work on specific projects related to research, PhD students and programme design. I want to thank you for having facilitated this exciting development.” Professor Peter Rolf Lutzeier, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Newman University
MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA POLICY In the Middle East and Africa the IU has worked to extend its policy influence on behalf of the sector. This included establishing new networks in the Gulf and working with partners to increase the support available for research collaboration. We also monitor and respond to events which could affect international students, for example presenting sector concerns to government through the RISC committee when visa processes were disrupted in Libya and Iraq. We provided sector briefings and advice on developments, for example, on changes to Saudi scholarship programmes. This year our MENA Community of Practice provided a channel for discussions about risks and opportunities in Iran.
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UK RESEARCH NETWORKING WITH GULF PARTNERS
GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT WITH EGYPT TO PROVIDE SCOPE FOR GREATER COLLABORATION
The International Unit, together with domestic and regional partners, brought over 200 representatives from UK universities to meet with Qatari, Emirati and Kuwaiti stakeholders at the ‘Qatar Foundation – United Kingdom: the Road Ahead’ Forum and the ‘Gulf Forum’ with the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. These events facilitated high-profile networking between HEIs, research centres, private providers, funding bodies, think-tanks and industry including, for example, all the executive directors of the Qatar Foundation’s research institutes and centres. The IU supported governmentto-government dialogue on future collaborations, which led to the creation of the Qatar-UK and UAE-UK Research Networking Programmes: collaborative projects which will promote sustainable and substantive partnerships with the UK, help early researchers further their careers in academia, and foster innovation and growth within scientific research.
With BIS and the British Council, the IU is working with the Supreme Council of Universities and local HEIs in Egypt to support their aspirations for comprehensive system reforms. We have met with inward visits from Egyptian University leaders and participated in scoping visits and high-level dialogues in Egypt that have helped broker a formal government-to-government agreement which should provide scope for greater collaboration between the two HE sectors, creating new opportunities for universities and for sector bodies, as well as helping to secure support for long-term partnerships and research.
23 Key Achievement 3 SECURING FUNDING FOR RESEARCH IN TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The IU argued for and subsequently shaped a major new investment in the role of universities in international development, coupled with significant changes to UK policy approaches, in what was a pivotal year for long-term international development policy with the passing of the UK’s 0.7% of GDP Overseas Development Aid target into law and the Sustainable Development Goals. The IU is working with BIS on plans to help assist UK universities in accessing research elements of international aid funding, leading to a commitment in Our Plan for Growth: Science and Innovation that the UK government, ‘will provide further support to UK universities and research institutions to access some of the research elements of the $140 billion international aid funding from multilateral banks, UN agencies and other donors.’
“The IU supports existing market opportunities, but is also vital in assisting with access into new markets and territories.” Rob Carthy, Director of International Development, Northumbria University, and member of the IU’s MENA Community of Practice
ASIA POLICY In 2014-15 the IU expanded its connections with governments across the Asia region in order to demonstrate the strength of the UK sector and articulate the benefits of international partnership. This has included inward visits from senior representatives of governments and institutions from China, India, Myanmar, Malaysia and Vietnam. India has been an area of particular focus, seeing increased collaboration with our counterparts, the Association of Indian Universities, and the development of a coherent programme of activity to take advantage of highprofile government engagement to promote the value of the UK as a study destination and research partner.
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PROMOTING THE UK HE SECTOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY IN INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND VIETNAM
A STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE UK HE SECTOR’S PERFORMANCE IN INDIA
The IU led a delegation of 15 universities to Indonesia in March with the support of the British Council. This allowed the IU to represent the diverse strengths of the UK higher education sector to key political decision-makers. The Indonesia delegation also allowed the IU to scope the political environment and opportunities, current and future. Delegates also promoted the value of the Newton Fund to the Indonesian government and universities. Signing of the formal Newton agreement took place during a visit by our Prime Minister, in which the IU participated. We also influenced the announcement of a Year of Education with Malaysia, which will provide new opportunities for collaboration for the sector in 2016. In Vietnam we signed a statement of intent with the Ministry of Education and Training, to increase the flow of Vietnamese scholars to the UK.
The IU developed a strategy to improve the UK HE sector’s performance in India for 2015-16. In addition to work with the Association of India Universities, this includes securing positive media coverage for study in the UK; joint working on reciprocal academic and student mobility; lobbying for the extension of the UKIERI programme and influencing its design. The IU has also been working hard to advance the negotiations about the recognition of the UK one year masters in India by building consensus on potential solutions, and by providing evidence to dispel concerns about Indian Standard XII recognition.
25 Key Achievement 3 £180K UK GOVERNMENT FUNDING SECURED FOR JOINT UK-CHINA UNIVERSITY PROJECTS In consultation with the sector, the IU influenced the UK government to secure £180 funding for pilot projects between between UK and Chinese universities and industry. The projects will be delivered in 2015-2016 under the UK China Partners in Education (UK CPIE) Framework. The IU has also influenced the new UK China Partners in Education Framework to ensure higher education remains an area of priority which is able to draw upon collaborative government funding.
“The IU’s work and support greatly helps with international profile raising for our University both externally and internally.” Leina Shi, International Strategy Manager, Brunel University London and member of the IU’s Asia Community of Practice
The UK HE International Unit Woburn House 20 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9HQ +44(0)20 7419 5421 info@international.ac.uk www.international.ac.uk @internationalUt December 2015
ISBN 978-1-84036-355-5
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