Efforts by York and Maastricht to Progress Research, Teaching and Business Projects

A major partnership, announced by the Universities of York (UK) and Maastricht (Netherlands), will build on their existing working relationship to establish joint research projects, while expanding educational support for both staff and students.

Initially focusing on crops, nutrition and public health, high-field imaging for medical diagnostics, data science and international trade, the two institutes will also develop ties with industry, including consideration of student employability.

The shorter term objectives will result in a shared PhD degree in public health, reciprocal business delegations, joint research workshops and conference and staff development programmes, while longer term benefits of the alliance will include more collaborative research centres and knowledge sharing in technical and professional areas.

As members of the Worldwide Universities the two institutes already have student and staff exchanges through the Erasmus+ scheme and a number of research connections – most notably in the field of imaging.

York’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Koen Lamberts said: “We have a clear set of priorities for this alliance and work is already underway. I am confident, however, that following on from our first set of projects, many more will emerge and we will see a network of joint enterprises from our university communities. We expect strong business links in line with the UK’s industrial strategy, as well as teaching and research connections.”

Maastricht’s President, Professor Martin Paul said: “We have brought together groups of staff from both institutions and this is a genuine grass-roots partnership. Our staff are hugely enthusiastic about the research and teaching links we have with York. It is particularly exciting that business links with regional partners will be part of the alliance.”