The University of Queensland (UQ) has further strengthened its international outlook by joining the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a move that amplifies UQ’s commitment to global research, innovation, and education.
What is WUN?
Established in 2000, WUN is a leading alliance of 25 research-intensive universities spanning 6 continents. It brings together this diverse group of institutions to foster collaborative research and education that address some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, public health, and social equity. The network's strength lies in its ability to unite students and scholars from diverse backgrounds, promoting a culture of inclusivity, mutual understanding, and impactful knowledge-sharing.
Each member institution brings unique expertise and regional insight, creating a platform for addressing complex issues at scale. UQ already collaborates with several WUN members, including Tecnológico de Monterrey, the University of Alberta, the University of Auckland, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. With the University of Exeter, UQ also leads the QUEX Institute to boost research in global sustainability and wellbeing. A full list of members can be viewed on WUN's website.
WUN supports projects that contribute to sustainable development, including initiatives in social justice, human rights, food and water security, mental health, and information security. The network also invests in emerging talent, offering a range of development programs and networking opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, and early-career researchers.
UQ's Global Partnerships
By joining WUN, UQ is positioned to expand its global engagement and leverage the network’s resources to drive innovation and impact. UQ's Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AC commented that the partnership opens new opportunities for researchers, students, and staff to connect with global expertise,
"Collaboration on an international scale is essential for driving innovation, advancing knowledge, and delivering research with a global impact. Our membership in WUN will empower the UQ community to engage with leading minds across the globe and contribute to solutions that benefit society as a whole."
Professor Terry continued by saying, "By connecting with leading institutions across the globe, we can amplify our collective efforts to foster the next generation of research leaders and drive innovation that benefits communities worldwide."
UQ’s membership in WUN also aligns with its strategic goal to contribute to the global sustainable development agenda, enhance research mobility, and create new opportunities for students and staff to collaborate internationally. This partnership will benefit the UQ community by offering students and staff access to international mobility and professional development programs, as well as the opportunity to participate in joint research and global conferences.
Mr Brett Lovegrove, UQ's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) and institutional representative to WUN, said international collaboration strengthens the quality of research and accelerates discovery.
"Being part of the WUN network enables the UQ community to engage with fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. We can harness diverse perspectives, expand our reach, and drive innovation to address shared challenges."
Mr Lovegrove continued, "Many of today's grand challenges—climate change, pandemics, inequality—require global cooperation. International research ensures solutions are scalable, adaptable, and sustainable across different contexts.”
Read the UQ News media release here and WUN's release here.
As part of engaging with other WUN institutions, UQ took the opportunity to attend the WUN Annual General Meeting in May, hosted at The Chinese Univeristy of Hong Kong. The meeting brought together more than 100 delegates from 6continents, including university leaders, researchers and administrators, to discuss development in higher education and global research collaboration for greater impact to societies.
