2007 Annual report (PDF 8.1 Mb) - University of Melbourne

INTERNATIONAL
ENGAGEMENT
cooperation and exchange were established
in 2007, adding to the existing suite of
over 170 bilateral partnerships with leading
universities worldwide.
New university-level agreements were
signed with Charles University in Prague,
the Graduate University of the Chinese
Academy of Science, Jagiellonian
University in Poland, the Institute of
Political Studies (Sciences Po) in Paris,
the University of Chile, the University of
São Paulo, the University of Helsinki, the
University of Latvia, the University of Los
Andes in Colombia, the University of Tartu
in Estonia, the University of Trento in Italy
and Vanderbilt University in the USA.
Jointly-badged degree arrangements for
the Bachelor of Agricultural Science were
finalised with Nanjing Agricultural University
and China Agricultural University.
Confucius Institute
The University’s already extensive links
with China were strengthened during
the year with the official opening of the
Confucius Institute at the University. The
Institute’s objective is to increase the
Australian community’s understanding of
China through Chinese culture, language
and business programs. Part of a global
network of institutes established by the
Government of the People’s Republic
of China, it is one of only two Confucius
Institutes in the world with a major focus
on programs for corporates engaged in
business with China. Nanjing University
partners Melbourne in the Institute.
Melbourne and Nanjing have each
appointed a professor as joint Academic
Director of the Institute. The Institute works
closely with Austrade and the Australian
Institute of Exporters. It is supported by
the Chinese Government, the Victorian
Government, the University of Melbourne
and the Myer Foundation.
Programs and Events
Throughout the year, the International
Relations Office coordinated a variety
of events and programs to promote
international academic linkages. A highlight
was the Latin America seminar held
in November. This major Knowledge
Transfer event was initiated and supported
by Ambassadors of six Latin American
countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico,
Peru and Venezuela. The event provided a
discussion platform for synergies between
Australia and Latin America in the fields
of Mining, Engineering, Agriculture and
Foreign Affairs.
International Visits and Visitors
The University’s high level of international
engagement is reflected by the 330
international visitors from the higher
education, government and diplomatic
sectors from 35 countries hosted by the
University during the course of the year.
Over 100 guests, including international
scholars from 23 countries attended
the Vice-Chancellor’s Reception for
International Visitors. The annual event is
an opportunity for the University to formally
acknowledge the major contribution
international visiting scholars make to the
work and life of the University.
Distinguished visitors during the year
included the Hon Rahul Gandhi MP, the
Chief Mentor, Confederation of Indian
Industries; the Vice Minister in the
Colombian Ministry of Education; Professor
Jinghua Cao, Deputy Director General of
the Bureau of International Affairs, Chinese
Academy of Sciences; the President of
the National University of Singapore;
representatives from many of Melbourne’s
partner universities and Ambassadors,
High Commissioners and Consul-Generals
representing diplomatic missions from
countries around the world.
International travel undertaken by the
University’s senior executives in 2007
reflected the University’s increasingly
regional focus and commitment to our
two main international networks, the
Association of Pacific Rim Universities
(APRU) and Universitas 21. In 2007 the
University also worked to build relationships
with US institutions and with India. A visit
by the DVC (International) to India, who also
met with alumni and leading members of
the Indian business community, has led to
new investment in the University’s medical
research programs.
International Student Mobility
Strategic Priorities
> Increase the number of students
participating in formal exchange programs
to at least 10 per cent by 2009
Achievements
As reported in the Learning and Teaching
section of this Report on page 40, a new
Global Mobility Unit was established in
2007 to promote international student
mobility opportunities for all University
of Melbourne students. New strategies
including the global curriculum and
course changes through the Melbourne
Model, will provide a range of enhanced
opportunities for students. Additional travel
scholarship funding from 2009 will support
students to undertake part of their studies
internationally. The University encourages
students to include an overseas experience
as part of their Melbourne Experience.
Exchange opportunities for students
studying Philosophy and Political Theory
have increased through Melbourne’s
participation in a new multilateral exchange
program with four European universities
– LUISS University Rome, University
of Bielefeld, University of Helsinki and
University of Lancaster.
In 2007, 462 Melbourne students studied
at 100 partner institutions under bilateral
student exchange arrangements, an
increase from 421 students in 2006. 114
of these students studied abroad for
one academic year – equivalent to 576
semester places. In addition, a number of
students undertook study tours, research
or fee-paying Study Abroad. The University
of Melbourne also hosted 413 students
from exchange partners (an increase from
394 students the previous year), and a
further 453 students from study abroad
partners around the world.
Strengthen crossdisciplinary
researchand
inter-institutional and
internationl collaboration
in research and researh
training.
Malaysian ‘Split’ PhD
Partnership Agreement
Strategic Priority
> Successfully implement the Malaysian
Universities shared PhD program
Achievements
In July the University signed a partnership
agreement with seven Malaysian
Universities for a ‘split’ PhD program
designed to build capacity in the Malaysian
higher education sector. Commencing
in 2008, the Malaysian universities will
provide up to 120 scholarships over four
years to selected staff to undertake joint
PhD research training at Melbourne and the
designated Malaysian university. Successful
candidates will split their research time
between Melbourne and their Malaysian
university and will be co-supervised by
academic staff at both institutions. The
agreement also aims to foster exchange
between academic staff from Melbourne
and the participating Malaysian universities.
The University of Melbourne Annual Report 2007 53