A Delegation from Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), with its secretariat at Durham University, Durham, London, UK has visited the University of Hyderabad on 12th February, 2024. This visit was coordinated by Prof. Chetan Srivastava, Director, Office for International Affairs, University of Hyderabad.

Matariki Network of Universities (MNU) is an international group of leading, like-minded universities, each amongst the most historic in its own country, and recognised as being a premier place of advanced learning, nationally and internationally, Research-intensive across a broad subject base, focused on providing a high-quality student experience, Flexible, modern, innovative, comprehensive and globally-oriented. This Network currently comprises Queen’s University, Canada, Uppsala University, Sweden, Durham University, UK, University of Western Australia, Australia, University of Otago, NewZealand, University of Tubingen, Germany and Dartmouth College, USA.  The Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) also was a part of the delegation.

The MNU Delegation included Dr. Sandra den Otter, Vice- Provost, Global Engagement, Queen’s University, Dr. Claire O’Malley, Pro – Vice-Chancellor (Global), Durham University, Dr. Prachi Kaul, Director, Shastri Indo – Canadian Institute and Ms. Jemima Lloyd, Deputy Head (Partnerships and Global Opportunities), Durham University.

The Delegation had an interaction with Prof. BJ Rao, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of University of Hyderabad,  along with Prof. Chetan Srivastava, Director, Office for International Affairs, University of Hyderabad, Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR Law University ,  Prof. Geeta Vemuganti, Dean, School of Medical Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Prof. Samrat Sabat, Director, R&D,  Prof. Ghansham Krishna, Director, IOE and Prof. Shamanna, School of Medical Sciences and others participated in the meeting,

Prof. B J Rao, Vice-Chancellor, UoH welcomed the delegation at VC’s Conference Room.  Prof. Rao, spoke about the University and its dynamic activities in Research, Teaching, Student Exchange, Faculty Exchange, collaborative academic projects, etc. being undertaken as well as the newer activities that envisaged by the university as a part of its Internationalisation.  Prof. Rao, also highlighted how a relatively young University like University of Hyderabad, is able to do such research and other academic activities. Prof. Rao, also said that in the coming times, there will be better opportunities as we scale-up our infrastructure.

Prof. Chetan Srivastava, Director, Office for International Affairs, University of Hyderabad, gave an overview of the Internationalization at University of Hyderabad. Prof. Srivastava, emphasized on how the University has been a dynamic in the Internationalisation, not only as a part of NEP 2020’s Internationalisation, but also how the University did follow the internationalisation since its inception, so as to reach out to the global education hubs, which is in line with the Indian Philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Jananh Sukinav Bhavnte”.   Prof. Srivastava. said that the Office for International Affairs is acting as the connecting, networking and catalysing which will take this further by working for the collaboration and exchanges. Prof. Srivastava, further added that the Office for International Affairs will strengthen the internationalization activities by exploring more avenues.

The Members of delegation during the interaction presented about the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), its mission, objectives, activities, and how the network is being used for supporting multi-disciplinary research in the areas of global issues, sustainable development, etc.

The Vice-Chancellor, did the honours by presenting the mementos, the Ashoka Pillar, National Emblem, and explained the significance of the same to the delegates.

The Delegation also had a campus tour of the University of Hyderabad and visited some facilities, and also had detailed discussions on how to take this initiative further ahead and make it fruitful.