University forges new links with Icelandic community
15th May 2021
The University of the Highlands and Islands has embarked on a new initiative to promote closer connections between communities in the Highlands and Islands and Iceland. The university has signed an agreement with representatives from Múlaþing, a municipality in east Iceland.
The agreement will allow the partners to identify potential research collaborations, particularly in areas relevant to the economies of both regions, such as tourism, fishing, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry and sustainability.
The partners also hope to explore ways to enhance educational provision in Múlaþing. The region, Iceland's largest municipality, currently has a limited range of opportunities for people looking to study university courses. Representatives hope the partnership will enable young people to stay in the region to study and work.
Professor Stuart Gibb, Vice-Principal International at the University of the Highlands and Islands, explained: "Our university's innovative approach to learning allows students to study in their local communities and our distinctive curriculum and research is inspired by people, natural environment, economy, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands. We wish to extend these principles to our colleagues in Múlaþing, helping their students to reach their full potential, preparing them for a rapidly changing world and ensuring they can play a role in developing their communities and economies. We also hope to promote enduring connections between the people and communities of our regions."
Jón Þórðarson, the representative of the municipal council who led discussions with the university, said: "The University of the Highlands and Islands is the most successful rural development program we have come across and we wish to emulate its success in East Iceland. We think there is much to learn from the institute and a partnership will be beneficial to both parties. The similarities between the two regions are a good foundation that we want to build on and we are excited to establish connections for the future."
Professor Todd Walker, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the university, added: "Our mission is to have a transformational impact on the prospects of our region, its economy, its people and its communities. Through this new partnership we seek to internationalise this mission and help Múlaþing in addressing their challenges and achieving their aspirations. It is an exciting development that I hope we can build on in the years ahead."
PHOTO
Björn Ingimarsson, mayor of Múlaþing
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Scotland's colleges need more clarity from ministers on what parts of their role to prioritise, as the sector's financial challenges mount. Scottish Government funding for colleges reduced by £32.7 million in cash terms in 2024/25.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have announced the signing of a new articulation agreement. Yjis will allow learners who have completed SQA's Higher National Certificates and Diplomas to seamlessly progress onto UHI degree programmes at advanced levels increasing accessibility to higher education and streamlining progression pathways.
Highland and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant has hit out at a lack of engagement by the Scottish Government over planned cuts to UHI. Despite consistent requests for engagement and discussion with Scottish Ministers, there has been no commitment on holding talks.
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) researchers from the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) based at UHI North, West and Hebrides Thurso campus, and the Centre for Living Sustainability based at UHI Inverness, recently returned from a visit to Bangalore North University in India where they established an environmental and social sciences research partnership. Dr.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has appointed Vicki Nairn as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Vicki Nairn, who has been serving as UHI's Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor since October 2022, initially joined the institution as Vice-Principal Operations in November 2021.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has been shortlisted in two categories at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2024, celebrating the people and partnerships behind ground-breaking innovations. The Flow Country Partnership , working with the Environmental Research Institute in Thurso, part of UHI North, West and Hebrides , nominated for the ‘Making an Environmental Difference' award.
Due to the ongoing weather warnings and poor weather conditions predicted, our Thurso, Halkirk and Dornoch campuses will be closed on Tuesday 16th January and Wednesday 17th January 2024 Also now Closed 18 January due to more weather warnings All on-campus classes will be moved online where possible. Staff and students should work from home.
Scotland's colleges are vital to learners and local communities. Risks to the college sector's financial sustainability have increased since we reported in 2022.
UHI North, West and Hebrides is celebrating its launch as Scotland's newest college following the merger of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides and UHI West Highland. UHI North, West and Hebrides will create an anchor institution connecting rural and island communities through distinctive education and research shaped by the culture, location, and landscapes of the North and West Highlands, Skye, and Outer Hebrides.
Would you like to make a positive change to the lives of learners in your local community and help shape future education and training needs?. Are you passionate about education and keen to use your enthusiasm, leadership skills and expertise to make a difference in your local community?.
