Ghent University and the University of California, Berkeley are engaged in a Preferential Partnership.
Ghent University's Preferential Partnerships aim to meet a specific set of criteria, as a part of the integrated policy plan for internationalisation:
- Multidimensional character, not bound to a single faculty or thematic focus
- Top-down and bottom-up balance
- Sustainable cooperation across various projects and initiatives
- Added value aimed at strengthening the individual position of the partners
- Mutual recognition and investment
This partnership leverages the complementary research strengths in the two academic communities to deliver a high-quality program of research and offer sustained and high-impact scientific with real-world outcomes.
These objectives can be met through the implementation of the following activities:
- Conducting research workshops;
- Setting up research projects;
- Supporting fellowships and internships, joint publications and books;
- Exhibitions at UGent and UC Berkeley;
- Joint education programmes, e.g. MOOCs
The Partnership is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ghent University and the University of California, Berkeley, signed in October 2019. Both institutions have endorsed the development of programmes and activities that advance scholarship through cooperative understanding. Other agreements have been signed since, to enrich the practical collaborations, e.g. to ensure the exchange of students etc. An overview of the backbones of the partnership and the concrete actions and calls are grouped on this website.
For questions, feel free to contact Elise Meerburg (partnership_ucberkeley@UGent.be).