More higher education pace-setters join global network

The Vice-Chancellor of The University of Queensland, Professor John Hay, AC, has welcomed two new members to the leading global network Universitas 21.

Professor Hay, who is Chair of Universitas 21, said Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Korea University have joined the group in 2005.

“The entry this year of two more leading international universities to Universitas 21 reinforces its standing as a higher education network of worldwide influence," Professor Hay said.

“Universitas 21 is also considering very carefully expressions of interest in joining the consortium from a number of other leading universities.

“The desire of these latest members and others to join Universitas 21 reaffirms its importance to research-intensive universities with an international focus."

Universitas 21 welcomes only research-intensive universities that are national and international leaders.

Professor Hay, who is attending a Universitas 21 meeting in Hong Kong, said membership to the global network gave a strategic edge by creating networking, collaborative and entrepreneurial opportunities that members could not achieve alone or through bilateral alliances.

“All members value internationalisation for their students, staff, research and curricula," Professor Hay said.

“New members must be compatible with existing members and be capable of adding value to the network.

“I warmly congratulate Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Korea University on joining the network.

“Speaking as the Vice-Chancellor of a leading Australian university, I look forward to working closely with two leading institutions from our neighbouring region in Asia."

With the addition of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Korea University, Universitas 21 has 18 members in nine countries. Together, Universitas 21 members enrol more than 500,000 students, employ about 40,000 academics and researchers and have more than 2 million alumni.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a key Chinese university aspiring to the highest scholarly and professional standards. It emphasises quantitative research and international comparison.

Century-old Korea University is South Korea’s largest private university and one of Asia’s top universities. It is embracing the challenges of the 21st Century and of educating global leaders for a global society.

The University of Queensland is one of only three Australian members of Universitas 21, the others being the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales.

Media inquiries: Fiona Kennedy (+61 7 3365 1088 or 0413 380 012).