The University of Auckland and the Fiji National University (FNU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at paving the way for greater academic cooperation.
Its aim is to facilitate collaboration between staff, introduce joint research ventures, and provide greater opportunities for student development.
The partnership, led by Associate Professor Dr. Collin Tukuitonga and Associate Professor Stephen Howie for the University of Auckland, and Associate Professor Donald Wilson for FNU, comes after 18 months of work.
Dr Howie says,” it is a concrete expression of the University’s Taumata Teitei vision for partnership in the Pacific region.”
Fiji National University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May says, “this partnership aligns with our five-year strategic plan that articulates the importance of conducting research with real-world impact, and of our regional outlook and engagement.”
The MoU has undergone extensive consultation, involving staff across both universities.
An alumni of the Fiji School of Medicine Associate Professor Dr. Colin Tukuitonga is excited about what the partnership means for the region and for both universities.
“It gives space for more relationships and for better support for trainees around the region. The hope is that with this MoU being signed, we will now be able to move forward with concrete actions that support both universities.”
Image credit: University of Auckland