The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester has joined forces with the Royal Veterinary College in London on a new strategic partnership aimed at expanding research and transnational education to help tackle major global challenges.
The two specialist institutions, which together represent more than 400 years of teaching and research, plan to develop joint initiatives supported by national governments and industry partners.
Senior staff from the RVC recently visited the Gloucestershire's RAU to formalise the collaboration.
RAU vice-chancellor Professor Peter McCaffery said the agreement marked ‘a significant milestone’ for both universities.
‘As two fiercely independent specialist universities, our partnership will be an exemplar of higher education collaboration in line with the government’s expectations in its Post-16 Education and Skills White paper,’ he said.
He added that the Royal Veterinary College’s ‘global reputation in veterinary research complements the Royal Agricultural University’s strength in transnational education in regions central to global food security including China, the Middle East, Uzbekistan and Ukraine’.
‘As a valuable British export, our joint expertise in veterinary and agricultural education will also contribute further economic growth to the UK,’ Professor McCaffery added.
The partnership will focus on expanding research and transnational education with global partners. The universities said their collective expertise in technology, nature-based and policy innovation is vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance, biodiversity loss and global food security.
Professor Stuart Reid CBE, Royal Veterinary College president and principal, said: ‘With this strategic partnership, the RAU and the RVC aim to develop and deliver impactful joint education, training, research and knowledge exchange both at home and internationally.
‘As the government sets out its international agenda for education, our liaison is as timely as it is exciting with the cornerstone of knowledge and skills as major export commodities.’
