Magazine Edition 9 This is the 9th edition of our bi-annual magazine. News from Wales Higher Education. If you would like to be added to the mailing list please send us your information on info@walesinternationalconsortium.com and specify if you prefer to recieve it electronically or by post.
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LATEST NEWS
January
Wales HE lead way to partnerships in Kurdistan
Wales International Consortium is leading a Wales higher education mission to Kurdistan in February for its first overseas mission of the New Year and the first joint visit by representatives of Wales HE to Kurdistan.Wales & China Dragons together for Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year – the Year of the Dragon was celebrated in Wales with events held at many universities in Wales including Cardiff University and University of Glamorgan.Trinity Saint David rises to the sustainability challenge
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is rising to the sustainability challenge in a strategic and holistic way and embedding sustainable development into the overall student experience by launching INSPIRE - the new Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness.Zambian student celebrates Masters success
An outstanding student from Zambia celebrated the award of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Swansea University recently.Bangor researchers follow the footsteps of Captain Scott
There has always been a fascination with Captain Scott’s fatal expedition to the geographic South Pole for many years. Scott, along with four companions reached the Pole on 17th January 1912, only to find that a Norwegian party led by Roald Amundsen, had beaten them to it. The small party perished on the return journey in weather conditions that were exceptionally bad for that time of year.Glamorgan signs $3,000,000 sponsorship deal
The University of Glamorgan has signed a substantial sponsorship deal, worth in excess of $3,000,000 that will enable electronics engineering students to experience the cutting edge of digital design.Sri Lankan graduation for Cardiff Metropolitan Students
61 international students have graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University (previously UWIC) in an awards ceremony in Sri Lanka. The event took place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, where the Cardiff Metropolitan University students graduated with Bachelors degrees.Newport best in Britain for teaching
International Students have branded Newport’s University as the best in the country for the quality of its lectures and standard of its teaching staff. Newport also ranked top for the support provided to international students during their studies.December
Changing face of higher education
Wales higher education has been a whirlwind of change in the past few months and as confusing and at times conflicting messages have appeared in the media Wales International Consortium attempts to address the key questions to explain the changes taking place in Wales.
Ambassadorial Visits to Cardiff University
Cardiff has hosted visits from the UK ambassadors and high commissioners of five overseas nations recently. The ambassadors had expressed an interested in seeing the University’s work while on visits to Wales organised by the Welsh Government.Cardiff Met boosts Brunei links with Minister’s Visit
International relations between Brunei and Wales were strengthened in December with a visit of Hon. Pehin Hj Haziar Hj Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sports to Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC).Culture Challenge for International Students
International Students at Bangor University have created a unique competition about culture exchange offering the prize of a weekend in Cardiff.Cardiff Metropolitan reinforces Internationalisation
For the last two years, Cardiff Metropolitan University (previously UWIC) has led a pioneering new initiative to encourage co-operation between universities in Europe and the Middle-East.
November
Pioneering international partnership honoured
Cardiff’s ground-breaking cancer research partnership work with China has won the International Collaboration category at the annual Times Higher Education awards.Glamorgan joins forces to deliver ERASMUS programme
The University of Glamorgan has joined forces with five other European higher education institutions from Germany, Cyprus, Finland, Italy and Spain to deliver a two-week intensive programme focusing on IT-security.October
Turning competition into collaboration
As Wales higher education faces a period of robust change with mergers and alliances looking to form super universities and world leading partnerships, the higher education collaboration within Wales International Consortium is stronger and more successful than ever.Swansea welcomes new international students
Hundreds of new International students from all over the world were given a warm Welsh welcome, at a Reception jointly hosted by Swansea University and the City and County of Swansea.September
Hi–tech diabetes aid will send alert text in emergency
A hi-tech diabetes blood glucose monitor is being developed in Wales that will send a text alert to emergency personnel if the patient is in danger of hypoglycaemia attack.
IBERS Topping out
In September Professor April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University, marked the completion of the latest phase of construction on the new £8.6m IBERS research and teaching facility at Plas Gogerddan with a topping out ceremonyAugust
Work experience student discovers asteroids
A student from Cardiff, working on a summer work experience project at the University of Glamorgan, has helped astronomers discover over 20 new asteroids and a comet in the process of breaking up.
Tsinghua-Swansea Computational Mechanics workshop
The first Tsinghua-Swansea workshop on Computational Mechanics was recently held in Tsinghua University, Beijing.Graduates make a splash with iPhone puzzle game
A new gaming app, which simulates a puddle of moving water moving around the screen was launched in August by the University of Glamorgan’s GamesLab Wales.How to learn Welsh in Japanese
Takeshi Koike from Japan, a former student of the School of Welsh and Bilingual Studies at University of Wales Lampeter, has written the first course book in Japanese for those wishing to learn colloquial Welsh.Student Satisfaction in Wales
Results from the annual National Student Survey have shown that the overall satisfaction for students studying in Wales has remained high, with 83% of respondents satisfied with their courseHE shaping the future
The Higher Education sector in Wales has embarked on a process of reconfiguration, taking a new and innovative approach to maximise the benefits of research, teaching and learning for students, stakeholders and the wider economy.American academic donates 30,000 books to Glyndwr
Students at Glyndŵr University will have access to a new collection of 30,000 books following a donation from an American academic.
July
Graduating in Wales
From Arts to Zoology, and from bachelor’s degree to PhD, thousands of international students graduating from universities across Wales this summer.
Glamorgan play host to Ugandan political figure
The University of Glamorgan’s School of Law, Accounting and Finance recently welcomed the Hon Balikuddembe Joseph Mutebi, MP to our Postgraduate Centre in Treforest, to give an informative and inspiring talk on the formation of the East African Community, and its social, economic and legal impact.Bangor student sells film rights to latest best-seller
A student studying at Bangor University has just sold the film rights for his second novel- an Indian bestseller. Ashwin Sanghi’s novel Chanakya’s Chant is to be adapted into a film by UTV Motion Pictures.June
IBERS International Masters Scholarship 2011
The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is committing up to £500,000 for a five year International Masters Scholarship Initiative.
Zambian High Commissioner visits Swansea University
His Excellency Professor Royson Mukwena, High Commissioner for the
Republic of Zambia to the UK and Northern Ireland visited Swansea in June to meet with University volunteers about their impending visit to Zambia.US students study Welsh culture and industrial heritage
Eight of the USA’s brightest students are to be introduced to the culture, history, politics and landscape of Wales through a pioneering new Summer Institute.Swansea students to gain global experience
Swansea University has successfully launched its study and work abroad programmes for 2011. The programmes include an increasing number of opportunities on work placement schemes, which aim to give successful candidates opportunities to work abroad.Why Wales?
In June the Wales International Consortium launched a promotional film about Wales higher education at the University of Wales Newport city centre campus to an audience of VIP’s.Bangor University welcomes Chines delegation
Bangor University was the location for a study tour for a delegation from the Chinese Education Ministry and a number of Chinese Universities. The delegation was keen to learn how British universities contribute to developing the regional economy.
Glyndwr University secures £5m media contract
The Vice-Chancellor of Glyndŵr University addressed a 10,000 strong audience at a sports stadium in China. Professor Michael Scott spoke to the crowd as part of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Southwestern University for Nationalities in Sichuan Province.
Glamorgan Business School Scholar wins prize
Christopher Agyapong Siaw, a Commonwealth Scholarship student from Ghana who is undertaking MSc Marketing at Glamorgan Business School. has won the prestiogious Professor Malcom McDonald Student Essay Prize.Glamorgan student throws new light on black hole
Astronomers based at the University of Glamorgan have joined forces with a first year undergraduate to investigate the odd behaviour of a black hole.May
International scholarships for Wales
Universities in Wales have announced further increases in scholarship and bursary provision for international students offering some of the best scholarships in the UK.
Aircraft engineers take off with £1.5m Aerospace Centre
A new generation of aircraft engineers will be able to learn their trade on a real airliner without leaving their campus with the opening of a £1.5m Aerospace Centre, the only one of its kind at a Welsh university, at the University of Glamorgan in South Wales.Brunei celebration event a huge success
A SPECIAL event hosted by the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) to celebrate the tradition and culture of Brunei has been hailed a great success.
Cardiff University International Accolades
Two members of the School of Chemistry have received Distinguished Achievement Awards from the International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI).Bio Mass Research
IBERS Aberystwyth University is a partner in a multimillion pound round of biomass research funding projects announced by ETI – Energy Technologies Institute in May.Japanese experts follow Cardiff's lead
Japan’s first network of leading scientists, policy makers and patients interested in gaining greater understanding, treating and changing attitudes towards mood disorders has been set-up following a visit by Cardiff University experts.April
Mobile Technology research to revolutionise rural enterprise in India and Wales
Researchers at Swansea University’s Future Interaction Technology Laboratory (FIT Lab) are to explore how digital technologies can promote rural enterprises in Wales and India.University of Glamorgan lectures streamed live into the workplace
Companies across Wales are taking advantage of a new opportunity to stream university-level training for their staff into the workplace.March
Overseas Students bring 9,000 jobs to Wales
Students from Europe and beyond make a huge contribution to Wales economy according to a report issued in March 2011 estimating that their presence in Wales adds £237m to the Welsh economy and over 9,000 jobs in our communities.
Newport’s City Campus officially opens
The University of Wales, Newport’s brand new City Campus was formally opened by entrepreneur and businessman, Sir Terry Matthews in March. The multi million pound investment on the banks of the River Usk will bring together the fields of Arts and Business
New landmark building for Cardiff University and Wales
A prestigious Cardiff
University building is set to breathe new life into a disused industrial area of the city, marking the nation’s transition to a smart, knowledge-led economy.Fulbright seeks more Welsh applicants
The Fulbright Commission hopes to further cultivate the exchange of ideas between the US and Wales by sending more Welsh students and scholars to the US with a prestigious Fulbright Award. This year’s Fulbright Awards Programme includes a further 28 new scholarships and 3 new Special Programmes for US and UK citizens - more than £355k in additional funding plus a further £300k+ in university cost-share.Opening of Bangor University's Office in Beijing, China
Bangor University has officially opened an office in Beijing, China with the launch being led by the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor John G Hughes and including speeches by both the UK's Ambassador to China, Sebastian Wood CMG and Director An Yuxiang of the Chinese Services Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
CARIAD helps Ethiopian researchers to improve food security
Ethiopian researchers working with scientists at Bangor University’s Centre for Advanced Research in International Agricultural Development (CARIAD), have achieved a breakthrough in increasing the food security of poor farmers in drought prone areas of Ethiopia.February
Aberystwyth leads £20m green technology programme
Aberystwyth University is leading a major new initiative that could boost the green economy in Wales and make a significant contribution to combating climate change.Social Science experts of the future brought to Wales
Wales’ leading universities have won a multi-million pound award to train top-level social scientists on a range of issues affecting society today.Reception for alumni of Welsh universities
A reception for alumni, and education, industry and business contacts of universities in Wales will be held at the Leela Palace Kempinski in Bangalore on the evening of 19th March 2011.£6 million boost to create next generation of technologists
A project to encourage young people to follow in the footsteps of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and other successful technologists and entrepreneurs has been announced today by Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, Lesley Griffiths.January
Bangor offers ten new international Forestry distance learning Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) have agreed to fund 10 places for scholars from developing commonwealth countries to study on the MSc Forestry (distance
learning) course.New £2.4 million building at Glyndwr
Work on a new creative industries centre at a north Wales university which will be used to train the future workforce is nearing completion.Met graduate opens Uganda’s first animation company
A Swansea Metropolitan University graduate has used the 3D computer animation and entrepreneurial skills he acquired in Wales to launch Uganda’s first animation studio.China-Wales Forum explores digital worlds
Leading thinkers from the computer games industry and the Universities of Glamorgan and Bournemouth came together for a summit hosted by CCI in January, the second Wales China Creative Industries Forum.New £4.9m app Centre for University
A unique £4.9m centre of excellence of emerging mobile technologies has been announced by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. The Centre of Excellence in Mobile Applications and Services (CEMAS) will be based at the University of Glamorgan.
Newport University returns to City Centre
In January 2011, the city of Newport celebrated an historic day as students at the University of Wales, Newport moved in to the brand new City Campus.
Motorsport Students at Autosport International
Motorsport students from Swansea MetropolitanUniversity, one of the UK's leading educators for the motorsport industry, acted as ambassadors for the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) at this year's Autosport International event.
December
UWIC secures another £3m for Erasmus Mundus project
Funded by the EU, the €3m ‘Flow by Flow EU-Egypt Bridge Building (FFEEBB)' fosters better understanding between the universities and facilitates the exchange of students, researchers and academic and administrative staff from EU countries and the Middle-East.
Climate change expertise recognised internationally
The internationally-renowned Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research has invited Cardiff University to become a core partner.
Bangor one of 10 UK projects selected for award
An academic at Bangor University’s School of Chemistry is one of ten British academics involved in British-Israeli research projects selected to receive funding through the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership, BIRAXA new university for South West Wales
The Governing Bodies of Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have agreed in principle to create a single new university for South West Wales.
November
International insurers’ research grants for Swansea Business students
Two international postgraduate doctoral scholars from Swansea’s School of Business and Economics have been awarded research sabbatical grants worth more than £20K from major insurance organisations.October
Cardiff Business School’s £76M boost to the Welsh economy
Cardiff Business School boosts the Welsh economy by an estimated £76M per year, a new report into the economic impact of UK Business Schools has found.New ‘Innovation and Knowledge Centre’ receives
funding to turn research into commercial enterprises
Funding was announced in October for a new research centre at Swansea University funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Technology Strategy Board.
New International Centre at Swansea MetropolitanSwansea Metropolitan University has officially launched its International Centre, which ultimately aims to further enhance the student experience for overseas applicants and their UK counterparts.
International Welcome
International students were welcomed to Wales by a succesion of events as part of international welcome week at universities
throughout Wales.First impressions
Rafik Eshun and Christopher Agyapong Siaw are the new Commonwealth Scholars at Glamorgan Business School.
New Centre for Daoist Studies announced by University of Wales Trinity Saint David
In late October, more than 100 delegates gathered on the Lampeter Campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to launch the Centre for Daoist Studies.September
International Community Brings University Contribution
Swansea Metropolitan University’s international students have been praised by the University’s Vice-Chancellor for their contribution to the institution and the city.First residents move into new £40m student accommodation
The first phase of a new £40m student accommodation complex in Wrexham was opened by Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival at Cardiff University
Folk dances, games and moon cake were among the attractions when the Cardiff Confucius Institute celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.Swansea Alumni is Smart Engineer
A former Swansea University Engineering graduate who set his sights on building a successful career in the UK technology industry has now seen his employer praised by Her Majesty the Queen.Award Nomination for Welsh-Inspired Coastal Erosion Project
Academics at Swansea Metropolitan University have been shortlisted for a prestigious engineering award for their development of the world’s first underwater coastal erosion monitoring system.Postgraduate Business student awarded £60K RGA Scholarship
One of the largest global providers of life reinsurance – the Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA) – has awarded a Swansea University Business student Ola Olaosebikan a £60K scholarship to support her three year doctoral research.International Guest Visits Swansea for Collaboration Inspiration
Swansea Metropolitan University has played host to a prominent international visitor who has created links between Welsh higher education institutions and their counterparts in Hong Kong and China.Cardiff University has recorded its best-ever year for winning new research grants – at just under £150 million.
Welsh Assembly Government Education Minister Leighton Andrews has congratulated the University on the record total, describing it as “a major boost for the Welsh economy”Research to inform social care programme in Nigeria
A collaborative support project bringing Swansea University and the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, closer together, has been awarded funding by the Association of Commonwealth Universities.Professor’s ‘Visceral Mind’ Course Attracts Bright Brains to Bangor
The first of a series of prestigious International Summer Schools was held in the School of Psychology at Bangor University in September attracting 40 students from 13 countries as far a field as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cuba, Israel and India.Welsh higher education satisfies students
The sixth annual National Student Survey (NSS) has shown that more than four in five of Wales’s students continue to be satisfied with their university course.Conference for International Teaching
A high profile conference has been held at Swansea Metropolitan University
aimed at higher education staff who regularly work with international students.
MASC signs MoU with University of Wales, Newport UK
Chennai: Media Arts & Science College (MASC) Chennai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enter into academic cooperation with University of Wales, Newport.Recipe for water: just add starlight
The European Space Agency’s Herschel infrared space observatory has discovered that ultraviolet starlight is a key ingredient for making water in the atmosphere of some stars.
Hong Kong alumni and student celebrate University's 90th Anniversary
An alumni and student event was recently held in Kowloon, Hong Kong to mark Swansea University’s 90th Anniversary.August
Bangor website voted one of best in UK
Bangor University’s website has been voted as one of the best university sites in the UK by prospective students. A report published in the Times Higher Education in August ranks Bangor’s website amongst the most effective sites
Bhutan and Gross National Happiness
New Divisional Head Chris Lee from Glamorgan Business School, recently visited Bhutan for the first time to develop the possibility of delivering the MSc Strategic Procurement Management in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.
A new innovative top-up degree launched
Glamorgan Business School is to launch a new top-up degree in International Business Studies starting in February 2011.
Glyndŵr University awarded grant to develop acacia gum industry in South Sudan
Scientists from Glyndŵr University have been awarded United Nations funding to help a region of Africa to develop an industry in exporting gum from trees to global food and drink manufacturers.International Summer School
Every year Glamorgan Business School welcomes students from the USA, Central America, and Germany to its Summer School. The theme of the Summer School this year is economic development and international management.
July
Student film script attracts Welsh ‘Four Weddings’ actor David Bower
A script written by Screen Academy Wales students tackling the isolation of deafness is to star Welsh-born deaf actor David Bower, best known for his role as David in Four Weddings and a Funeral.Celebration of International Students in Wales
International students celebrated graduation days throughout Wales this summer. Hundreds of family members and friends also travelled from all over the world to witness the graduation celebrations. In addition many universities held graduation ceremonies for their worldwide programmes overseas such as the recent UWIC graduation ceremony held in Brunei.
Commonwealth Scholars enjoy studying at Glamorgan
Successful Commonwealth Scholar Alex King has been enjoying his time studying the MSc in International Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Glamorgan Business School responds to Islamic banking trend
Following the recent collapse of traditional Western banking systems and institutions, many governments are seeking alternative financial models.
Swansea Met Motorsport Team World Beaters
Swansea Metropolitan University’s Formula Student Team have yet again proved themselves to be one of the best motorsport teams in the world, having confirmed themselves as best in Wales, top three in the UK and, even more impressively, top twelve in the world, after the 2010 Formula Student competition at Silverstone.UWIC's Cardiff School of Education Celebrates Two Doctoral Successes with the University of Botswana
A long and successful partnership between the Cardiff School of Education and the University of Botswana was marked in July’s graduation ceremony.
Massive Increase in Research Investment at Swansea University
Research investment is set to soar at Swansea University as it reaps the rewards of its success in the 2008 Research Assessment of all UK universities.
Calon Cardio-Technology one of many SMEs in Wales to benefit from the biggest and most ambitious high performance computing initiative in Europe
A Swansea-based heart technology business is one of a host of science-based firms which stands to benefit from the launch of HPC Wales.Supercomputing Initiative in Wales
An all-Wales University supercomputing collaboration designed to boost the Welsh economy and give access to some of the most advanced computer technology and skills has been officially launched.Cardiff renews Japanese medical student exchange
Cardiff medical students have the chance to spend up to 12 weeks at one of Japan’s leading medical universities as part of an exchange programme renewed this week.
HRH The Prince of Wales celebrates his scholars’ success
A year after launching the Prince of Wales Innovation Scholars (POWIS) programme, the Chancellor of the University of Wales, HRH The Prince of Wales, welcomed the first cohort of the POWIS scholars to his official Welsh residence in Llwynywermod, West Wales, in celebration of the project’s success.
Welsh astronomers help reveal unique all-sky image
Welsh astronomers have helped reveal unique images of the entire sky which could help provide new insights into the way stars and galaxies form and reveal how the Universe itself came to life after the Big Bang.June 2010
Swansea alumni help students branch out in India
Two Swansea University alumni are sharing their success by helping current Swansea students with internship opportunities to greatly enhance their employability prospects.
Wales set for new space mission
Wales' first ambassador for space is set to embark on a new mission to encourage schoolchildren to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dr Paul Roche, an astronomer from Cardiff University and the University of Glamorgan, has been appointed Wales first-ever Space Ambassador.UWIC’s grand designs on strengthening links with Africa
UWIC’s Technical Demonstrator for the Cardiff School of Art & Design Peter Hathaway, has been awarded the ‘DIY Kenya Commission’; a four-week designer’s residency in Kenya offered by Bloc: Creative Technology Wales and supported by British Council, Wales Arts International and Welsh Assembly Government.Screen Academy Wales Students Await New York Exchange
The dream of a lifetime has come true for two film students from Skillset Screen Academy Wales who have been selected to attend the first New York University and Screen Academy Wales international exchange.
£1M research award to study new smells through synthetic biology
A team of scientists in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University has been awarded more than £1M to carry out a collaborative study which among other applications could lead to more environmentally-friendly forms of pest control using nature’s own enzymes.Major new report shows that UK film contributes over £4.5 billion to UK GDP, supports 100,000 jobs and is weathering recession well
The Film Agency for Wales has welcomed figures released by the UK Film
Council showing that the UK film industry contributes a total of over £4.5 billion a year to UK GDP and more than £1.2 billion to the Exchequer.
WISE Network project shortlisted for PraxisUnico Impact Award
The Welsh Institute for Sustainable Environments (WISE Network), a collaborative project between Bangor, Swansea and Aberystwyth Universities, is celebrating being shortlisted as a finalist for The PraxisUnico Impact Awards 2010.Cardiff University launches 3 new research institutes
Cardiff University in Wales will invest £10 million ($14.8 million) into three new multidisciplinary research institutes. The Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and the Sustainable Places Research Institute.
New Vision to Transform Education in South West Wales
In June a new vision for post-16 education in South West Wales was unveiled.
A declaration of intent was announced between the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (created by 1
September by the merger of Trinity University College and the University of Wales Lampeter), Swansea Metropolitan University, Pembrokeshire College, Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion.
Swansea professor wins award to take nano research to the next level
Professor Sondipon Adhikari from the School of Engineering at Swansea University has been awarded a prestigious Wolfson Research Merit Award from the Royal Society for his nanotechnology research.
WISC graduate shines at Newport Fashion Show
Khadijah Eniafe, a first year Fashion Design student at the University of Wales, Newport and graduate of Wales International Study Centre, showcased two of her designs in the university’s annual Fashion Show in June at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
University Boost for Welsh Digital Games Industry
Ensuring the Digital Games industry in Wales can compete with the rest of the UK will be the focus of a new knowledge transfer centre at the University of Glamorgan.
Graduate Film at Edinburgh Film Festival
A Screen Academy Wales graduate with a passion for drawing will achieve a lifelong goal earlier than expected when his film screens at the Edinburgh International Film Festival later this month.
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