USP, Griffith University Signs MOU for Collaborative Research

 
Mr Daniel Ware (Left) and Dr Edmond Morgan (Right) of Griffith University with Dr Krishna Kotra, Science Programme Coordinator during their visit to the Emalus Campus

The University of the South Pacific (USP) and Griffith University (GU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaborative research for a period of five (5) years.

The MoU was signed by Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President of USP on 4 May 2018 and counter signed by Professor Ian O’Connor, Vice-Chancellor and President of GU on 22 May 2018. Mr Daniel Ware and Dr Edward Morgan, from GU’s Climate Change Response Programme visited Emalus Campus on 11 May to discuss opportunities and it was agreed that USP will be part of their upcoming research studies in the Pacific.

A student exchange programme is being scheduled in September this year as part of MoU.

Mr Ruben Markward, Campus Director, welcomed the team and the opportunity to work with Griffith University.

After being informed earlier about the signing of the MOU, he said that they were aware of the work done by GU at the centre in Tanna Island.

Mr Markward further stated that engagement with Emalus Campus and centres in Vanuatu is very much welcome and assured support in this regard.

“We look forward to your collaboration with USP through our Science Programme Coordinator, Dr Krishna Kotra,” Mr Markward said.

Dr Kotra, who arranged the negotiations in this regard, thanked GU for considering USP as their collaborator in the Pacific and assured that USP, will facilitate all collaborative leads required for carrying out the research studies.

Reflecting on the initiation he said that this is an era of collaborative research and parties must benefit from mutual expertise, thus leading to win-win situation.

He further explained that USP’s Emalus Campus has been in the fore-front in attracting world –renowned universities and national research centres to carry out their research in Vanuatu and the Pacific.

“In-spite of limitations, collaborators believe in our ideas and logistic supports and thus coming forward to carry out cutting edge research studies in collaboration with USP in Vanuatu and the Pacific,” Dr Kotra remarked.

Mr Ware said that GU is excited to work collaboratively with USP, adding that the agreement is an important opportunity to develop capacity at both GU and USP to meet the research needs for the region as it comes to terms with climate and development pressures on ecosystems and people way of life.

Griffith and USP intend to collaborate in the following areas of cooperation, subject to mutual consent and the availability of sufficient funding:

  • Joint research activities;
  • Participation in seminars and academic meetings;
  • Special short-term academic/technical/training programs; and
  • Short-term student research student and scholar mobility.
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