University of Glasgow Connect

Global Glasgow: Relationships

Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Glasgow, shares her thoughts on the importance of developing meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships.

International collaboration and the importance of global connectivity are at the very core of the Global Glasgow International Strategy 2025, and this should be of little surprise. The University of Glasgow has always placed enormous importance on being a civic, anchor institution with global reach and relevance. The partnerships that we prioritise across every continent have a palpable and positive impact on our communities locally, nationally and internationally.

The Global Relationships pillar of our strategy states that developing meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with partners and stakeholders is mission-critical for the University, and that success within this pillar will mean that a range of international relationships will be developed and strengthened, with a specific lens on our societal impact. Critically, we are committed to ensuring that our partnerships are reciprocal and founded in mutual trust and respect.

More and more frequently our partnerships are coalescing around the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the University of Glasgow is delighted to have been ranked 19th in the world for our contributions to the SDGs, as reported in the recent Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. This is testament to both the power of our people and of our partnerships. Across every impact case study, we had the opportunity to showcase collaborations, the impact of common goals and the results of coordinated action.

From cancer research to cultural economies, interdisciplinarity and internationalisation is pivotal. Through our partnerships, we can deliver tangible outcomes linked to research, learning and teaching, knowledge exchange, industry engagement and student experience that benefit the University, our partners and overall enhance the collective impact of the sector.

A recent example of our principles of partnership in action can be seen in our nascent 'twinning' with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) in response to the war in Ukraine, which has been both humbling and inspiring in equal measure. Working collaboratively, the University of Glasgow is responding to the immediate needs of the NaUKMA community by providing access to resources and the provision of student and staff mobilities, whilst also supporting the development of longer-term strategic plans for our partnership which will allow both institutions to continue to prosper.

Going forward, the University of Glasgow is focused on enhancing the scale and impact of our international research collaborations, of developing new and innovative learning opportunities, and doubling the proportion of our students gaining an international experience, whilst specifically focusing on students from low-participation backgrounds. None of these aims can be delivered in isolation, and we recognise the significant role that our bilateral partnerships and networks play in supporting our ambitions. Investing in the development of these relationships is vital, and we are proud to be members of Universitas 21, The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, and CIVIS, a European University Civic Alliance, where we can share best practice and mutually benefit from our experience and expertise.

I know that global connectivity does, can and will enhance our educational offerings, our research capability and our societal impact, creating an environment in which our colleagues, students, partners and wider communities can thrive, and this, in turn, is key to our sector continuing to have global impact and influence.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for being part of our World-Changing Glasgow family; together, we really can make a difference.