International networks
UWA is a proud member of many international consortia and networks. These engagements underpin the University's position as a global leader in education and impactful research, leveraging relationships in the Indian Ocean Rim and around the world.
UWA is a founding member of the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), an international group of leading, like-minded universities that promote excellence in research-led education.
‘Matariki’ is the Maori name for the group of stars called the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. ‘Matariki' is also the word for the Maori New Year, symbolising a new beginning.
Research
A diverse set of Research Themes facilitate enhanced collaboration, joint research grant applications and publications, teaching initiatives and the sharing of industry contacts.
The initial focus of the network has been on the undergraduate experience. Their representatives have been exploring possibilities for collaborative research focused on seven primary research themes.
Each institution is responsible for a research theme:
- Brain and mind (Integrative Neuroscience) – University of Otago
- Quantum science – University of Tübingen
- Peace and conflict – Uppsala University
- Disaster resilience – Durham University
- Cyber security – Dartmouth College
- Sustainability, environment and resources – Queen’s University
- Oceans and the Blue Economy – The University of Western Australia.
The Matariki Network will further enhance the existing research excellence of its members by identifying common research themes for international collaboration, and, by using the added value of collaboration, make a stronger impact globally.
The Matariki Research Network will also share existing research infrastructure and help to facilitate international research collaborations and exchanges, including the development of the next generation of researchers.
The Matariki Lecture Series showcases themes that advance the teaching and research enterprise of all partner institutions of the Matariki Network. In 2021, Lectures were moved online to broaden participation and engagement.UWA was pleased to ho-cost the first of three events under the theme of 'Race, Racism and Decolonisation'. Videos from each event are available on the Matariki YouTube channel:
- Event 1 'Racism and social determinants of health'
- Event 2 'Practical impacts of racism on everyday living'
- Event 3 'Decolonisation'
The Matariki Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT) challenges research students from around the Network to communicate the significance of their projects to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. UWA students are always well represented in this annual event and have won 1st place and runner up in previous years.
UWA undergraduate internships
The Matariki Undergraduate Research Network Internships provide opportunities for selected students to have a practical research experience, promote a greater awareness of the scholarship of teaching and learning, and provide the university with context-relevant information to inform teaching and learning at each university.
Education and Mobility
MNU offers a range of Student Mobility programs that provide opportunities for innovative international experiences. Over the years, UWA staff and students gained knowledge and long-lasting friendships through their engagement with the Matariki Global Citizenship Program and the Matariki Indigenous Student Mobility Program.
With COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the Network quickly pivoted to online activities, including:
- A Matariki Network Global Citizenship micro credential course in conjunction with the not-for-profit organisation Common Purpose.
- An exploration of other virtual education modalities, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
To learn more about the Matariki Network, please contact the Global Engagement office.
UWA is a founding member of the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), which connects researchers and academics to address challenges facing both continents.
Research
The Partnership & Research Development Fund (PRDF) offers catalyst seed grants to support planning workshops and research collaborations that address distinct mutual challenges in areas across food and nutrition security, environment, higher education and economic development.
Education and Mobility
Through a regular series of events, AAUN provides a unique opportunity for educational collaboration between institutions, academics and students. It also promotes and engages in the Australia Awards Africa scholarship programs.
Get involved!
For more information about AAUN activities please contact the AAUN Secretariat.
UWA is a founding member of the Western Australia East Java University Consortium (WAEJUC), which leverages the combined strengths of the five Western Australian universities to increase high-quality research, student mobility, education and training across the sister states of East Java and Western Australia.
Research
WAEJUC facilitates collaborative research among member universities.
Education and Mobility
WAEJUC facilitates short term study and cultural visits for Australian and Indonesian students to its member universities.
WAEJUC also offers scholarships to select East Javanese students to undertake a PhD at a Perth-based university under joint supervision with an East Java University.
UWA Engagement
UWA has hosted numerous visits by students, researchers and professional staff from East Javanese universities.
UWA's Master of Clinical Audiology program has a strong partnership WAEJUC member Universitas Airlangga, which is building capacity to help Javanese kids hear.
Get involved!
For more information about ways to get involved with WAEJUC, contact: [email protected]
UWA is an Affiliate Centre of the Australia India Institute (AII), supporting its vision to become the leading centre for engaged research on contemporary India outside the subcontinent and to do so through building Australia's capacity for India related research that addresses key social, political and environmental challenges.
For more information see: https://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/
UWA is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the only accredited Commonwealth organisation to represent higher education.
The ACU has over 500 member universities in 50 countries across the Commonwealth. 66% of members are in low- and middle-income countries and 5% are in small states. The network covers over 10 million students and more than 1 million academic and professional staff.
UWA's membership enables its researchers, staff and students to be part of international collaborations that address:
The ACU also provides a range of funding opportunities to enable university staff and students to pursue world-class research and innovation.
Contact Michelle Emmett, International Networks Manager, for more details on how to stay up to date with ACU initiatives.
