Welcome to the latest edition of the WTUN newsletter featuring a roundup of news, updates and events happening across the network.
Below you will read about the WTUN in Brasilia to attend FAUBAI 2025, replays of some of our recent webinars, and the launch of our Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize 2025.
As always, if you would like to share news, updates, events or milestones via this newsletter, then please contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
WTUN in Brasilia: Development Manager, Denise Whitehead attends FAUBAI 2025
WTUN Development Manager, Denise Whitehead, is attending FAUBAI 2025 in Brasilia this week.
During the international conference, Denise will be connecting with institutions across Central and Latin America and beyond under the theme “Towards Equitable and Sustainable Partnerships”, aligning with the collective mission of the WTUN and its member institutions.
WTUN Member, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, will be in attendance and Denise will be connecting with UFRN’s Operational Board member, Professor Bruno Motta de Carvalho.
Ahead of her travels to Brazil, Denise shared her expectations for the conference:
“I am looking forward to representing the WTUN and its members at FAUBAI 2025 for the first time. The theme “Towards Equitable and Sustainable Partnerships” aligns perfectly with the WTUN’s mission and I can’t wait to discuss opportunities for impactful collaboration with universities from Brazil, across LATAM/C and beyond!”
During her time in Brasilia, Denise will be sharing updates on our LinkedIn page as she connects with fellow attendees.
Platforming researchers from across our network
We are proud to have hosted 4 online events this academic year to share knowledge from across the network and provide a platform to researchers and academics.
WTUN for International Week of Science and Peace 2024:
Hosted by Dr Colins Imoh from University of Bradford, 3 researchers shared their insights into how science can be utilised as a catalyst for peace in a world filled with chaos, despair and anarchy:
- Dr Prem Shankar Pandey from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science reimagined science as a force for unity
- Prof Salma N Marohombsar from Mindanao State University discussed mathematics as a tool for social good
- Prof Dr SudalaiMuthu T from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science shared his insights on AI’s role in the service of peace.
WTUN for International Day of Clean Energy 2025:
To emphasise the much needed transition to clean energy by industry and governments worldwide, this online event platformed recent developments in clean energy across the network:
- Professor Puspamitra from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science shared her research on Na/Mg-Ion Batteries which could revolutionise affordable, clean, and renewable energy storage
- Professor Muralidhar Miryala from Shibaura Institute of Technology shared his work into the transformative role of superconducting technologies
- Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr Mohd Fadhil bin Md. Din from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia shared how higher education institutions can advance planetary health through energy transition, research and policy
- Prof M. K Badrinarayanan from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science presented grassroots clean energy initiatives in India and their impact in empowering rural communities
WTUN for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2025:
Hosted by Ahlia University with participation from colleagues from University of Bradford, this event shed light on the power of IoT for Smart and Sustainable cities:
Chaired by Professor Yousif Albastaki from Ahlia University, four researchers shared their research and insights into the world of IoT:
- Dr Ammar Aldallal from Ahlia University discussed optimizing urban water with the use of IoT technologies for more sustainable cities
- Dr Khaled Ramadan from Ahlia University shared the use of 5G technologies to transform our urban lives
- Dr Ahmed Jedidi from Ahlia University shared the use of IoT for intelligent transportation and logistics within cities and urban environments
- Dr Daniele Scrimieri from University of Bradford explored the use of intelligent digital models for community heat networks in urban environments
WTUN for International Day of Zero Waste 2025:
To highlight the global need to reduce waste, with a focus on fashion and textiles, this event brought discussions on sustainable production and consumption practices to light:
Chaired by Dr James (Rob) Innes from University of Bradford, researchers from across the network shared their knowledge on the waste crisis:
- Professor Charlou Bautista from Mindanao State University discussed a student startup, NeoRanao, which is integrating innovative circular solutions into the fashion industry and local communities
- Dr Helen Maguire from Atlantic Technological University showcased clothing repair as a climate act, combating the underutilisation of clothing and the barriers to clothing lifecycle extension for ordinary people
All of our past online events can be found here: WTUN Webinars on YouTube
If you are interested in participating in an online event with the WTUN, please get in touch at wtun@bradford.ac.uk. We have collated a list of upcoming, international observance dates to spark inspiration for interested colleagues:
- World Environment Day – 05 June
- World Ocean Day – 08 June
- International Women in Engineering Day – 23 June
Who’s who at the World Technology Universities Network?
The World Technology Universities Network boasts a membership of 20 technological-focused institutions located across the world.
As a network, we aim to foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing, providing our members with exclusive access to activities, platforms, and support to begin interdisciplinary research and teaching initiatives with international reach.
We are re-sharing some past “Member in the Spotlight” articles, highlighting the teaching, research, and missions of our member institutions.
Get to know two of our European members:
Atlantic Technological University
Based across multiple campuses across the Republic of Ireland, ATU has a rich history of academic and research excellence, founded on practice-orientated study which addresses major global and societal challenges. As a university, they are dedicated to enabling sustainable economic, social, and cultural development in its surrounding regions.
Read their Member in the Spotlight article here: Get to know Atlantic Technological University
University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Another multi-campus university located in and around the city of Wels in Austria, FHOÖ delivers teaching and research which is practice orientated and dynamically evolves to tackle the challenges of the future. Their staff and students are at the heart of their success in setting important impulses for growth and production within Austria and its business and educational sectors.
Read their Member in the Spotlight article here: Get to know Unviersity of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
WTUN Student Competition 2025 is now closed to applications
The deadline for entries in application to this year’s WTUN Student Competition has now passed. There was a total of 19 team entries submitted from 8 member universities, demonstrating keen interest from students across our network in sustainable innovation for planetary health.
Each proposal will now be assessed by two members of the assessment panel. Assessment is due for completion by mid May and we hope to communicate the outcome to all applicants by the end of May.
Thank you to each of our assessors:
- Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin , Atlantic Technological University
- Wipawee Usaha, Suranaree University of Technology
- Melba M Angni, Mindanao State University
- Dr N Manoharan, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
Thank you to all who supported this programme and good luck to this year’s students.
WTUN Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize 2025
The WTUN BC Scholarship Prize 2024-25 is live!
The BC prize is intended to recognise cutting-edge, challenge-led research with direct benefits to people and society.
It is awarded to students conducting research that demonstrates alignment with the WTUN’s vision of providing education for the next generation of global citizens who will have to respond to the word’s 21st century challenges and to assist students to pursue their research or career.
Eligibility:
WTUN member universities can submit a maximum of 2 applications each year.
The prize is open to students in any discipline at any of the WTUN’s member institutions, currently studying for their PhD or Masters by Research at the deadline for application.
For full eligibility and application details, please visit our webpage here.
Learn more about the Prize’s previous recipients:
Now in its third year, the WTUN has previously awarded the Prize to two WTUN PhD students for their cutting-edge, impactful research:
2022/23 Recipient:
Theresa Heering, PhD Candidate Coventry University*
Research title: ‘The increased prevalence of childhood anterior cruciate ligament injuries – Identifying those at risk’.
Theresa’s application to the BC Scholarship Prize was highly regarded by the assessment panel who each noted that it “demonstrates global collaboration and aligns with the SDG goals and WTUN vision” and that the accompanying endorsement from industry and academics at both institutions is “indicative of the quality and potential impact”.
Read our interview with Theresa here.
*Former WTUN member.
2023/24 Recipient:
Nadiia Sadova, PhD Candidate, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Nadiia’s research interests include immunoassays for inflammatory and stress biomarkers and intestinal function and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster (Common fruit fly).
Among this year’s entries, Nadiia’s entry was highly regarded by the assessment panel who agreed that her application and work best demonstrated a commitment to cutting-edge, challenge led research which will have direct benefit to people and society. The panel also noted the accompanying endorsement from an industry expert.
Read our interview with Nadiia here.
Atlantic Technological University
Dr Eoghan Furey from Atlantic Technological University visited Technische Universität Ilmenau through the WTUN Exchange Programme 2023-24.
His visit focused on data-intensive systems and visualisation and biomedical engineering and sustainable mobility technologies with prospective collaboration in areas relating to Postgraduate research training models, EU funding frameworks and collaboration opportunities, international student mobility and innovation in blended learning and research-led education.
Read Dr Furey’s reflections on his visit to TU Ilmenau here: Reflections on a Remarkable WTUN Exchange Visit to TU Ilmenau
WTUN Member Summer & Winter School Opportunities
Thank you to members who have shared details of upcoming Summer/Winter mobility opportunities open to applications from WTUN member university students. The WTUN will share details in this newsletter.
If your university offers programmes that you wish to promote, please complete the circulated form: WTUN – Member Summer/Winter School Opportunities
Coming Soon:
WTUN Member: University of Newcastle
Programme Name: Summer Down Under 2026
Eligibility/Participants: Undergraduate students in Business, Engineering and Science
Programme Dates: Late May to Early August, 2026
Overview: Summer Down Under 2026 – The University of Newcastle has announced a reform of its calendar, shifting the start and end dates of its two main semesters. In practical terms, this means that the mid-year break (Australian winter / Northern hemisphere summer) will be extended. This new mid-year break will start the last week of May and run through to early August, providing 9 solid weeks of short-term programming and intensive modules. Planning is currently underway to provide a range of programs relevant to UG cohorts in Business, Engineering and Science, alongside guaranteed on-campus housing.
Deadline for application(s), programme fees and full details will be shared in future newsletters.
Do you know someone in your university who would be interested in this newsletter? Forward the email to colleagues or share the link with your networks.
All members are invited to contribute to this newsletter through their Operational Board Member (found here). Please contact your Operational Board member with stories or events which will be of relevance to the shared vision and commitments of the WTUN and its members, inspiring opportunity for engagement on commonalities, sharing knowledge, or collaboration.
All calls for content can be shared with the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
To discuss joining the World Technology Universities Network, please contact the WTUN Development Manager:
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk