UQ deepens its relationships in Chile

The University of Queensland (UQ) is the first university to sign an agreement with the world's largest copper producer – The National Copper Corporation of Chile (CODELCO).

Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) Dr Anna Ciccarelli and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Alan Lawson finalised the partnership during a recent executive mission to Chile and Brazil.

This new agreement is the result of prior collaboration between CODELCO and UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) as well as the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering respectively.

Mr Juan-Pablo Schaeffer, CODELCO’S Corporate Affairs & Sustainability General Manager and UQ alumnus, currently serves as a member of SMI’s Advisory Board to provide advice and guidance to the Director and the University on the strategic direction of SMI.

“The CODELCO-UQ partnership offers us the opportunity to internationalize our company through a leading world-class research intensive university that is immersed in the mining industry. We also see UQ as a strong technical partner for our operations,” Mr Schaeffer said.

Senior staff from CODELCO plans to visit UQ during the second semester this year to continue discussions on proposed collaborative initiatives.

This includes internships at CODELCO for UQ undergraduate students from EAIT; the development and delivery of an International Program for Young Professionals for CODELCO; delivery of training sessions for CODELCO graduates each year; delivery of English language training for CODELCO staff; joint research projects and the enrolment of CODELCO staff into UQ’s Master degree programs.

The program of the executive mission also included briefings from Australian Government agencies, high-level meetings with partner institutions including government agencies, university partners and other industry bodies in both countries.

The visit raised UQ’s profile with government agencies, universities and private industry, and showcased UQ as a partner in learning, discovery and engagement at international events in the region.

Professor Zlatko Skrbis presented a paper titled ‘Innovation in Postgraduate Research Education’ at the Chilean Universities Council of Rectors (CRUCH)’s First International Workshop: Doctoral Studies in a University of Excellence, which took place in Concepcion (Chile).

Likewise, two UQ panels, chaired by Dr Ciccarelli and Professor Lawson respectively, participated at the Conference of the Americas on International Education held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

The panels presented two papers titled: ‘The Power of Partnership in Development of Internationalisation of Education: A new Paradigm for Mutually Beneficial Outcomes’ and ‘Globalised Endeavours’.

The University also co-organised and participated in a UQ panel at Universidad de Chile research seminar entitled ‘World-Class Research and Innovation at The University of Queensland: a Valuable Experience for a 21st Century Chilean University’.

Following this seminar, Universidad de Chile’s Vice President for Research & Development, Dr Miguel O’Ryan, visited UQ to identify further opportunities to expand activities in research collaboration between both institutions.

Rector Victor Perez from the same university will also visit UQ in early October to progress collaboration with the School of Education.

UQ was the only Australian university to participate in all three events in Chile and Brazil.

These continue to build on our strong profile in the region as a leading Australian University in the areas of research, teaching and learning as well as global engagement.

Media: Aleyda Perez, Regional Manager, Latin America – Global Engagement, 3365 1906 a.perezsoler@uq.edu.au