2006 Annual Report - University of Salford

Annual Report &
Financial Statements
Thinking globally – broadening horizons
Salford welcomes Malaysian research dignitaries
United nations
A host of dignitaries and higher education chiefs were at the
University in June for a major event at which top UK and
Malaysian universities launched a new research collaboration
initiative. Political figures and university vice-chancellors
convened for the International Conference of the Malaysian
Research Group (MRG), which this year was hosted by Salford.
MRG is a network of Malaysian researchers worldwide.
The event culminated in a ceremony, at which the University of
Salford signed a memorandum of understanding with several
Malaysian universities, pledging to collaborate on future
academic research activity. The agreement is aimed at
strengthening research ties between Salford and its
counterparts in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s Government is keen to develop the country as a
regional educational research hub and the conference will
explore this potential. In addition, Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton
South East, delivered an opening speech on the opportunities
and challenges facing the UK and international academic
research communities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Harloe, said: “We are
delighted to host this event and to have been chosen as a
preferred partner for research collaboration. This is recognition
of our world-class research standing and we look forward to
working further with our Malaysian partners on this important
and groundbreaking initiative.”
Our inaugural Overseas Consultants’ Conference in March
helped to reinforce Salford’s commitment to students from
outside the UK who choose to study here with us.
International consultants from Bolivia, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus,
Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria and Turkey were
invited for the five day event to learn the latest about student
life and the University’s programmes in order that they can
offer advice to those around the world who want to come and
study in the UK.
The University employs experienced advisors throughout the
world from Amman to Zhejiang to help students select the
most appropriate programme of study, apply for a visa and
complete the application process.
Salford staff top the jet-set
Salford came top of all UK universities in July for the number
of our academic staff who travel to European partner
institutions to deliver Erasmus sponsored guest lectures.
Figures from UK Socrates-Erasmus, the scheme which
encourages student and teacher travel, revealed that a total of
49 Salford academics took part in a teaching staff exchange
in 2003-04.
The data included 146 higher education institutions active in
Erasmus exchanges that year, of which 92 sent fewer than
seven staff and 30% sent between eight and 19 staff.
Exchanges are part of a proactive approach by the University
to encourage both staff and students to develop an
international outlook and dimension to their work.
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Conference of the Malaysian Research Group
Piera Gerrard, Head of the University’s International Relations
Office, said: “We are delighted to be leading the way in this
area with so many of our staff developing European links and
travelling overseas. We are keen to encourage our new
students to do the same - they won’t have to pay any tuition
fees for the 12 months they work during a placement
year abroad.”