Merit is seen in university network

Being part of a new international network of universities creates opportunities in research, joint postgraduate programmes, and student exchanges, says Otago University international pro-vice-chancellor Prof Sarah Todd.

Otago University is a founding member of Matariki, a grouping of seven universities.

The others are Dartmouth College in the United States, England's Durham University, Canada's Queen's University, Germany's University of Tübingen, Sweden's Uppsala University, and the University of Western Australia.

Prof Todd said Otago had not been part of a network before, preferring one-on-one relationships with other institutions.

Every university in Matariki played a big part in their home city or town.

Prof Todd said the group briefly considered limiting membership to smaller universities, but this was rejected as it could affect future members, particularly those in Asia. It was hoped up to a dozen universities would join.

She said networks of universities were common but often did not entail a lot more than membership; Matariki would experience active engagement.

Otago was instrumental in helping set up the group, and would act as its secretary for the first three years, Prof Todd said.

Vice-chancellor Prof Sir David Skegg said he was delighted the other universities decided to adopt a Maori name.

The group's full name is Matariki Network of Universities.

"These universities are among the oldest and foremost places of learning in their respective countries," Prof Skegg said.

As well as student exchanges, research, and joint postgraduate programmes, it was hoped the network would organise social responsibility projects, visiting fellowships, staff exchange and secondments, knowledge sharing, and cultural and sporting activities.

A workshop on alternative energy sources, hosted by Queen's University, was planned for later this year.

- eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz