Welcome to this month’s roundup of the stories, updates and events happening across the World Technology Universities Network.
WTUN Operational Board Bulletin:
WTUN Research Agenda Development
On the 15 November, a consortium of European and ASEAN located WTUN members, led by Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin and Atlantic Technological University, Ireland applied to the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package. Drawing on the areas of excellence, interest and specialisms of the individual partner institutions and opportunities for meaningful collaboration and impactful research activities, Blue Economy was agreed as the chosen focus area. Together, WTUN members Atlantic Technological University (Cluster Lead), University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (EU Partner), Suranaree University of Technology (Lead ASEAN Partner), Mindanao State University and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia submitted the project titled ‘Enhancing University Alliances for Sustainable Education in Aquatic Networks: Blue Economy Advanced Mobility programme (EU-ASEAN BEAM)’.
Harnessing the established relationships and history of close collaboration by virtue of shared membership of WTUN, the cluster was able to move quickly, identifying shared areas of interest and opportunity for comprehensive, comparative research related to the Blue Economy, freshwater and marine/coastal environments, from ‘source to sea’ in Austria, Ireland, Malaysia, The Philippines, and Thailand. A key pillar of the bid was the opportunity for engagement and dissemination with wider, global WTUN membership, including at the annual WTUN Congress. As members of the WTUN, the cluster will also have access to expertise beyond the cluster members (e.g. those outside EU/ASEAN regions). The WTUN also offers opportunities for the project to be expanded and developed beyond the original remit, enhancing impact and long-term research opportunities. EU-ASEAN BEAM’s goal is to collaborate with coastal and shoreline enterprises and communities to improve their sustainability while concentrating on the social and economic requirements of the area. The proposed research agenda, draws heavily from the individual partners own areas of expertise covering a wide range of key concepts from coastal blue economy, freshwater blue economy, blue zones and wellness tourism and community engagement, capacity building and entrepreneurship.
If successful, this will represent a milestone for the WTUN and will hopefully serve as an example for future collaborative research bids. We wish the team every success with the funding application.
Notification of selected HEI clusters expected January 2025.
WTUN News
WTUN for International Week of Science and Peace
The WTUN held a webinar for International Week of Science and Peace, hosted by Dr Colins Imoh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Peace Studies and International Development at the University of Bradford.
The webinar featured speakers from WTUN member institutions:
- Dr Prem Shankar Pandey, Head of Training at the Centre for Professional and Career Development, Hindustan University
- Professor Salma L. Naga-Marohombsar, Chairperson, Mathematics Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mindanao State University
- Professor SudalaiMuthu T, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Hindustan University
Couldn’t attend live? Watch the replay via the WTUN YouTube channel.
Call for Contribution: WTUN Webinars for 2024/25
The WTUN is planning events to mark the following notable events. We are inviting contributions from all WTUN member who wish to participate in helping shape these events. Please could any colleagues who wish to participate and/or host an event related to the below (or have suggestions for something else entirely!) liaise with their Operational Board Member or the WTUN at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
January 2025
February 2025
- Tuesday 11 February: UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science
March 2025
- Tuesday 04 March: UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development
- W/C 31 March: UN International Day of Zero Waste
April 2025
- Monday 21 April: UN World Creativity and Innovation Day
- Tuesday 22 April: World Earth Day, ‘Our Power, Our Planet’
June 2025
- Tuesday 05 June: UN World Environment Day
- Monday 23 June: International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)
Re-visit this year’s WTUN Congress: Session recordings now available
The WTUN Annual Lecture and each of the following sessions are now available to watch via a dedicated WTUC2024 YouTube Playlist on the WTUN Channel.
- WTUN Annual Lecture; Professor Datuk TS. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Group CEO; University Vice-Chancellor UCSI University, Malaysia
- Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives; Environment, Social and Governance for Planetary Health
- Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Community Engagement and Action for Planetary Health
Thanks again to all of the Chairs, Moderators and Speakers and to hosts Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
WTUN Collaboration Opportunities
University of Bradford
On behalf of Professor Ciprian Daniel Neagu, Professor of Computing, University of Bradford*
Digital Technologies for UN SDGs for the Benefit of Local Communities: the role of digital technologies in advancing science, education and society
Date: 6 December 2025
Event type: Hybrid (University of Bradford and MS Teams)
This event brings together experts from various fields to explore the intersection of science, education, technologies, and society. Through engaging talks and discussions, the event will delve into topics ranging from effective science communication to the potential of digital technologies in shaping a sustainable future.
Key themes:
Communicating science; digital
innovation; interdisciplinary collaboration; community engagement, Bradford 2025 – The UK City of Culture
Call for participation:
Professor Ciprian Daniel Neagu is extending an invitation for 1-2 speakers from WTUN member universities to contribute to this event. For the purposes of scheduling, guest speaker(s) will be allocated the following time slot(s):
WTUN Speaker(s): 14:00-15:00 (GMT)
Please send EOIs to wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
EOIs should include: proposed title, brief abstract and a CV/biography.
Deadline: Friday 29 November 2024
*The WTUN Secretariat is supporting this event via this call for speakers. Review and selection of EOIs will be undertaken by Professor Neagu.
WTUN Member News
Atlantic Technological University
Marine scientists from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), led by Dr. María Pérez Tadeo, completed the AMIGOS survey, monitoring marine mammals and underwater noise from Gibraltar to Ireland. The study, part of the EU-funded STRAITS project, collected crucial data on the underwater soundscape, salinity, and productivity while providing training for early career researchers. Conducted aboard the RV Celtic Explorer, the survey supports understanding the impacts of human-made noise on marine ecosystems and fosters international collaboration. This research is pivotal for European marine conservation efforts.
Dr. João Frias from ATU contributed to the European Marine Board’s report Navigating the Future VI (NFVI), which outlines critical marine science challenges and solutions. Launched in Brussels, the report emphasizes the interconnection of freshwater and oceans, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and ocean pollution. It aims to guide European policymakers and researchers in advancing UN and EU sustainability goals. NFVI provides a roadmap for future marine science funding and actionable policy recommendations.
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
Taiwan Tech’s Associate Professor Yu-Cheng Chiu has developed groundbreaking self-healing, flexible semiconductor materials by combining traditional rubber with nano-technologies. These innovations, vital for next-gen electronic skin and biomedical sensing, enhance monitoring of health metrics like inflammation. Honored with the 2024 Ta-You Wu Memorial Award, his work showcases cutting-edge advancements in polymer science.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
SAIT has partnered with YWCA Banff to establish a unique hospitality and tourism training facility, combining hands-on education with community service preservation. This collaboration supports skill development in the hospitality sector while maintaining YWCA Banff’s essential social services. The project highlights SAIT’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing community needs in sustainable ways.
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
The University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and Johannes Kepler University Linz have launched AcadX to boost start-ups and spin-offs in Upper Austria. AcadX connects founders with investors, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
Learn more from FH Upper Austria’s Start-up Center Director, Gerold Weisz, here.
University of Bradford
The University of Bradford has acquired a £72,450 Precision X-Ray Radiation Source, funded by generous donors, to advance cancer research. This state-of-the-art equipment will enhance the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics’ ability to develop personalized treatments, combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy. It promises improved outcomes with fewer side effects, impacting global cancer care. The facility strengthens the university’s commitment to innovative, transformative cancer research.
University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle’s Name.Narrate.Navigate.360 program has received over $2.1 million in funding to support young men and boys at risk of family, domestic, and sexual violence. In collaboration with Allambi Care, the initiative provides trauma-informed, culturally responsive support to break cycles of violence, offering counseling and psychoeducation. This program is part of Australia’s national early intervention trial to address violence.
Member Events
Atlantic Technological University
Fifth Global Virtual Workshop: Leadership Through Transformation
Online
28 November 2024, 15:00-17:00 (GMT)
This workshop brings together thought leaders and practitioners to explore the enduring and impactful subject of transformational leadership.
Keynote Speakers:
- Joanne Hession – CEO and founder of LIFT Ireland
- David Hession – Head of Research and Impact at LIFT Ireland
- Lene Rachel Anderson – Acclaimed Danish economist, author, and futurist, globally recognized for her work in Bildung, cultural development, and societal transformation.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Register now to learn from experts in leadership, culture, and societal growth.
Find out more here: Leadership Through Transformation
Ahlia University
International Conference on IT Innovations and Knowledge Discovery (ITIKD 2025)
Gulf Convention Centre (Manama, Bahrain)
13-15 April 2025
This conference focuses on recent developments and findings in the domains of computational intelligence, knowledge discovery, modern trends of cyber security, social implications of technology and other IT innovative systems.
The deadline for paper submissions is 31 December 2024.
The deadline for early registration is 10 March 2025.
Find out more here: ITIKD 2025
University of Newcastle
2025 International Conference on Sustainable Cokemaking and Ironmaking (ICSCI 2025)
City Hall (Newcastle, Australia)
Dates: 16-19 March 2025
Theme: Decarbonising the Steel Industry: Exploring technological developments for sustainable ironmaking
With the global imperative to implement low-emission cokemaking and ironmaking, the University of Newcastle and the ICSCI 2025 Organising Committee, is hosting academic and industry experts at this international event to exchange knowledge and communicate technological developments in sustainable ironmaking.
Conference topics include:
- Low emission iron and steelmaking technologies
- Decarbonisation pathways
- Raw materials for low emission ironmaking
- Fundamental studies, kinetics of reduction, gasification
- Sustainable Cokemaking
- Process Integration and Optimsation
- Regional Specific Developments
Registration for this event will close on 31 January 2025.
Find out more here: ICSCI 2025.
Individual Member Student Mobility Activities
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Winter School in Medical Engineering 2025
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria – Linz Campus (Linz, Austria)
Dates: 3-7 February 2025
Key Areas: Medical Stimulations, Telemonitoring, Bioprinting and Materials
The 6th Winter School in Medical Engineering, delivering workshops, lectures, tutorials, field visits and cultural activities.
This opportunity is open to final year bachelor’s/undergraduate students. Successful participants will receive 2 ECTS for their participation.
Admission requirements include studies in Medical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Technical Studies with a focus on medicine (i.e., Mechatronics, Medical Electronics) and an minimum of B1 level of English.
The cost of participation is 240 EUR, which includes a week-pass for public transport and lunches. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the applicant.
Find out more about the Winter School in Medical Engineering 2025 here.
International Summer Academy in Engineering 4 Women (ISAE4W)
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria – Wels Campus (Wels, Austria)
Dates: 8-23 July 2025
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025
The Academy will deliver an intensive program combining sophisticated theory with hands-on practical experience in engineering and antural sciences.
The 2025 programme includes:
- Engineering Areas such as Electronics & Automation, Applied Mathematics and Biotechnology
- Applied Sciences in Theory and Practice, including a Group Project, Internet of Things for Astronomical Observation, and Scientific World View.
- Women In Engineering, exploring the role of women in science and research, insights from successful scientists on their careers and research projects, and opportunities for future exchange and traineeships.
- Cultural Visits such as a visit to local companies, Ars Electronica Center (museum) for knowledge on technological advancements in society, and a music festival.
Applicants will earn 4 ECTS for their participation on this course.
The cost of this academy is 850 EUR, which includes tuition fees, accommodation, meals on weekdays and field trips.
Find out more and ISAE4W here.
Next Operational Board Meeting:
Date: Thursday 09 January 2025
Time: 08:30am-10:00am (GMT/UTC)
Via Microsoft Teams
Members will receive the agenda and papers via email prior to the meeting.
Contribute to this Newsletter
All Operational Board members are invited to share any news, events, or collaboration opportunities from their institution. If these calls for content would be better directed to a different team within your institution, i.e., Press Office/Marketing and Communications Departments/Research Services Department, please do provide us with their contact details.
The WTUN Secretariat is keen to receive content under the following themes:
- Updates, news and research stories which will be of interest to other WTUN colleagues, perhaps inspiring opportunities to engage on commonalities/share knowledge/collaborate.
- Events and Opportunities such as Conferences, Mobility Programmes, Research Collaboration projects
- Calls from Researchers to connect or collaborate on themes, including to organise a proposal for joint funding bids.
All calls for content can be shared with the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk