Welcome to this month’s roundup of the stories, updates and events happening across the World Technology Universities Network.
World Technology Universities Congress 2024
02-04 October 2024, University Technology Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
On behalf of all at the World Technology Universities Network we would like to begin this newsletter by extended a thank you those who attended the ninth World Technology Universities Network Congress in Johor Bahru, Malaysia earlier this month. A very special thanks goes to our esteemed hosts, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia for delivering this fantastic event and for their hospitality.
Over the three-day programme 25+ speakers provided expert perspectives on a wide range of subjects under the theme of ‘Alliances for Diplomacy: Harnessing University Collaborations for Planetary Health’. WTUC 2024 also featured the second WTUN Annual Lecture, delivered by Professor Datuk TS. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Group CEO; University Vice-Chancellor UCSI University, Malaysia.
During her opening address, WTUN Chair and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bradford UK, Professor Shirley Congdon reminded delegates that “the WTUN exists for the benefit of others…and [during WTUC 2024] is well positioned to maximise the collective power of our member universities for the benefit of our students, staff and local and global communities. Our network is intellectually rich, strongly connected to industry, and youthful. Collectively, we are committed to our values of innovation and sustainability, and we must continue to create meaningful longevity and construct an impactful legacy as a network.”
Thank you to all our esteemed speakers for their valuable contribution to this event. Many positive discussions took place, and key decisions were reached about the Network’s values and priorities; both of which will guide future growth and ensure greater impact than ever. We look forward to sharing more with you in the weeks to come.
A message from Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, Chair, WTUN Operational Board
“Once again, I’d like to thank our colleagues and friends at UTM for hosting a wonderful congress. During our time we covered a lot of ground and had broad and varied discussions on the specific research sessions, as well as the priorities for the WTUN as we move into a new year. I am grateful for all your engagement and contribution to what was a very successful and fruitful congress. As we move forward, I hope we will continue to refocus our energies on activities that add value to the network and our individual university strategies. It is important for us to embed the work of the WTUN in our institutions, to engage as many staff and students as possible in our collaborations, and to clearly articulate the role of WTUN in our internationalisation agendas. I’d like to focus this year on developing our research agenda and to facilitate joint actions to enable this. I look forward to facilitating this cooperation through the Operational Board for the year ahead!”
Feedback Requested:
Feedback is vital to ensure that the annual Congress remains relevant to WTUN members. To support this, we invite members to complete a short survey: WTUC2024 Feedback Survey
SAVE the DATE! World Technology Universities Congress 2025
World Technology Universities Congress 2025 hosted by Thaksin University:
Date: 20-22 October 2025
Location: Songkhla, Thailand
Theme: ‘The ‘GLOCALISATION’: Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global’
WTUN Member News
Women’s University in Africa
The Association of African Universities has shared a webinar on “Emerging Issues in African Higher Education”. The webinar includes a forum which seeks to explore the evolving landscape of higher education across the African continent based on the 10 policy briefs of the Association.
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
A message from KIIT:
We open our resources to all the fellow member universities of the WTUN family to achieve common goals of our respective institutions and observe WTUN activities for year 2024-25 cohesively.
We are keen to work collaboratively in following academic areas with you, of bilateral interests:
- Computer Science Engineering
- BioTechnology
- Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
- Robotics/AI & Cybersecurity
- Public Policy
- Applied Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
Please find below a few links about our research and innovation, Centre of Excellence and Technology Business Incubator for your ready reference.
Feel free to reach out for taking ahead this conversation on individual interests.
Find out more about KIIT:
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md. Din, Director of the UTM Campus Sustainability Office (UTMCS) was a speaker at one of the WTUC2024 parallel sessions. During his presentation, Dr. Mohd Fadhil Md. Din discussed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as pivotal pillars which shape the values and strategy of higher education institutions.
WTUC2024 was hosted by UTM as part of the wider UTM Global Connect 2024 programme. The event, and the involvement of WTUN, has made local Malaysian news.
In an article published by Bernama, WTUN is highlighted as a “unique platform for global experts to exchange knowledge and present innovative solutions”.
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
FHOOE’s research group Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & innovation (FFoQSI) has launched their next funding phase from 2025-2028.
The 2025-2028 research programme includes, for example, projects relating to the optimized control of food for pathogens, sustainable field management, alternative food packaging and the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous machines in agriculture.
University of Bradford
UOB’s archaeologists have been granted funding to purchase a state-of-the-art survey equipment which will provide them with “mobile laboratory” (MoLab) capability to allow them to investigate previously unexplored landscapes.
The equipment includes drones with sensors for large-scale 3D mapping , portable seismic profiling systems and the ability to map wetland areas down to the centimetre, remotely operated vehicles to obtain samples, and adaptable data processing software.
Member Events
Technische Universität Ilmenau
InnoLOG: 6th Thuringian AI Forum
29 October 2024
COMCENTER Brühl Erfurt
Innovations, trends and experiences – AI as a driving force for Thuringia
The forum also serves to promote exchange within the Thuringian AI community. It brings together developers of AI solutions with potential users in order to drive forward joint innovations and research and development projects.
Find out more about InnoLOG here.
International Student Week Ilmenau 2025
June 12- 21 2025
Technische Universität Ilmenau
ISWI is the largest student conference in Germany, established by students for students in 1993. Past ISWIs have welcomed over 320 participants from 70+ countries.
The themes for ISWI2025 are:
- Sharing Power: How to build inclusive societies with equitable power distribution
- Giving Opportunities: Focusing on youth exchange, education, technology and policy
- Enabling Participation: Encouraging particiaption for all, no matter the background or status
Find out more by viewing the short presentation here: ISWI2025 presentation.
Alternatively, visit the ISWI website here: ISWI.org
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
International Human-Centered Technology Conference (iHumEnTech 2024)
28-29 November 2024
Impiana Hotel (Johor Bahru, Malaysia) and Online
iHumEnTech 2024 is organised to provide a platform for researchers to share their findings in science and technology related to analysis and application on the human. Researchers are encouraged to participate on the following 10 themes:
- Assistive technology & bioinstrumentation
- Signal & image processing
- Artificial Intelligence for human technology
- Health informatics
- Rehabilitation & therapy
- Nutritional & drug delivery technology
- Human-computer interaction
- Sports innovation & technology
- Human-systems integration
- Ergonomics, health & safety
Find out more about iHumEnTech 2024 here.
University of Bradford
DHEZ Seminar Series
30 October 2024, 13:00-14:00 (UTC+1)
Online
The Patient Education workstream of the VRI Programme at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust focuses on delivering online resources that empower patients to understand their conditions and manage their own health. This session will outline the journey to date and showcase some of the content it has produced.
Find out more here: DHEZ Seminar Series 24/25
Member Mobility Opportunities
Shared by WTUN Member Institutions
Suranaree University of Technology
SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2025
Suranaree University of Technology (Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand)
SUT GEC 2025 is now open for registrations:
Dates: 08-18 January
Theme: “Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People”
SDGs: #3, #11, #13, #15
Why should students joint the GEC 2025:
- Enhance their entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
- Collaborate with peers from around the globe.
- Experience real-world challenges and opportunities.
- Play a role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
Find out more information here.
Alternatively, contact Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy (SEDA) via email at: global.entrepreneurship.sut@gmail.com.
To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk