Welcome to the latest edition of the WTUN newsletter featuring a roundup of news, updates and events happening across the network.

Below you will find the replay to the recent WTUN for International Day of Zero Waste event, a reminder that the WTUN is going to FAUBAI, and an introduction to the ‘Who’s who’ at the WTUN’s member universities. 

As always, if you would like to share news, updates, events or milestones via this newsletter, then please contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk.

Connect with the WTUN at FAUBAI 2025

WTUN Development Manager, Denise Whitehead is attending FAUBAI – Associação Brasileira de Educação Internacional Conference in Brasilia later this month alongside Professor Bruno Motta de Carvalho, WTUN Operational Board member, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) 

“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!”

Denise Whitehead, WTUN Development Manager

If WTUN members have any connections or suggestions of universities from Brazil and the wider region that may wish to meet to discuss the WTUN then please consider an introduction via wtun@bradford.ac.uk  

WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25

The deadline for proposals in application to this year’s WTUN Exchange Programme has now passed. There was a total of 21 fully completed proposal submitted from 13 member universities, making this year the most competitive yet.

Each proposal will now be assessed by two members of the assessment panel. Assessment is due for completion by 18 April and we hope to communicate the outcome to all applicants by the end of April.  

Thank you to all who supported this programme and good luck to all who have submitted a proposal. 

In case you missed it: WTUN for International Day of Zero Waste 2025

Watch the replay of our online event for International Day of Zero Waste 2025 now:

[Watch here]

Thank you to Professor Charlou Bautista, Mindanao State University and Dr Helen Maguire, Atlantic Technological University joined us for this online event to mark International Day of Zero Waste and each presented their work relating to this year’s theme, “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles”:

Professor Charlou Bautista: “NeoRanao: Stitching Sustainability Through Circular Solutions”

Dr Helen Maguire: “Clothing Repair as a Climate Act” 

Further thanks go to Dr James Innes from the University of Bradford for chairing the session and facilitating the thought-provoking discussions. The event was well attending with more than 30 attendees watching live.

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 will resume sharing our “Member in the Spotlight” articles shortly, highlighting the teaching, research, and missions of our member institutions. In the meantime, get to know one of our newest members, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Calgary, Canada) who joined the network in February 2024, 

We spoke to their Operational Board member, Mark Butler, Vice President for Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, to learn more about SAIT and its campus.

Read the article here: “Getting to know SAIT”

WTUN Student Competition 2025: Final day to apply!

A reminder that the deadline for teams to enter this year’s competition Sustainable Innovation for Planetary Health – Local Solutions for Global Problems is Thursday 10 April 11.59pm (GMT+1) 

Apply here: https://www.wtu-n.net/student-competition/  

Best of luck to all the teams! 

WTUN Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize 2025

The WTUN BC Scholarship Prize 2024-25 is live and accepting applications. 

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.

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

WTUN Member: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Programme Name: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W)

Eligibility/Participants: Female engineering students aged 18-25

Programme Dates: 8-23 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 920 (EURO) – including tuition fees, room for the entire stay, meals on weekdays (weekends are free for individual activities), numerous field trips.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Kamilla Trubicki

Email: isae4w@fh-ooe.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/isae4w 

Overview: The International Summer Academy for Women in Engineering (ISAE4W) offers an ideal opportunity for a selected group of highly-motivated and talented women (high school, college or undergraduate students) to experience top-class and challenging university-level coursework.

WTUN Member: Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

Programme Name: The Business of German Engineering

Eligibility/Participants: Any enrolled student with interest in engineering and business. English language qualifications are required.

Programme Dates: 6-19 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 15 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 1800 (EURO) – including lectures, company visits, accomodation, socio-cultural activities and transportation within the programme. HSHL can offer a limited number of scholarships.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Katia Yashchuk

Email: summerschool@hshl.de

Webpage: https://summerschool.hshl.de/

Flyer: https://summerschool.hshl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HSHL_Summer-School-Flyer_2025.pdf

Overview: By combining science, business, and culture, the English-speaking academic program offers a versatile learning experience. Participants gain insights into innovative technological developments in the field of applied engineering and beyond through daily lectures, followed by visits of successful middle-sized companies in the region. Interdisciplinary seminars and social activities round up the program.

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.

International Green Gown Awards 2025 – Closing Soon!

The International Green Gown Awards are supported by UN Environment Programme and are open to any university or college across the world. Winners will be announced in October.  

Recognising exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world’s universities and colleges, the International Green Gown Awards set the bar and put every learning institution at the heart of delivering the UN Global Goals. 

Application Deadline: 28 April 2025 at 12:00 (UTC)

Find out more here.

UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards 2025

The 2025 UK and Ireland Green Gown awards are delivered by EAUC in association with UKRI. This year’s awards will recognise exceptional sustainability initiatives taking place across the post-16 education sector. 

Institutions can enter multiple projects for consideration, but each project can only be entered into one category. 

Application Deadline: 5 June 2025 NOON    

This year’s categories include themes on benefitting society, campus health, food and drink, creating impact, and digital futures. 

Find out more here.

Australian Green Gown Awards 2025

Organisational categories are open to any tertiary education establishment – including all post-16 educational institutions such as universities, colleges, TAFE, Polytechnics and learning and skills institutions. Individual categories are open to staff and students of ACTS member organisations. 

8 categories are linked to the International Green Gown Awards. 

Application Deadline: 29 MAY 2025 

Find out more here.

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

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the network.

WTUN for International Day of Zero Waste 2025 – Call for Speakers!

We invite WTUN colleagues to speak at our upcoming event to commemorate International Day of Zero Waste under the theme ‘Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles’. 

All EOIs must be completed online, using our form found here: https://forms.office.com/e/ggBH9DUs7v  

Those interested have until Tuesday 18 March 2025 to submit their EOI for consideration for this event. 

About International Day of Zero Waste: 

“Humanity’s unsustainable production and consumption practices are driving the planet towards destruction.  

Households, small businesses and public service providers generate between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste every year – from packaging and electronics to plastics and food. However, global waste management services are ill-equipped to handle this, with 2.7 billion people lacking access to solid waste collection and only 61-62 per cent of municipal solid waste being managed in controlled facilities. Humanity must act urgently to address the waste crisis.” 

This year’s International Day of Zero Waste emphasizes the need for action in the fashion and textile sector to reduce waste and advance circular solutions: Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles.

The rapid growth in textiles production and consumption is outpacing sustainability efforts in the sector, causing severe environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly in the Global South. Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2015 and yet, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. This equates to a garbage truck full of clothing incinerated or sent to landfills every second.” Source: zero-waste-day.

In case you missed it: WTUN for World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2025

Watch  the WTUN for World Engineering Day hosted by Ahlia University online event on replay now: https://youtu.be/Rp1qIXQwWGE?feature=shared

During this informative and insightful session, colleagues from across the network explored “Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart and Sustainable Cities”. The presentations covered utilizing IoT in the following areas:

• Optimising urban water use, cutting leaks and non-revenue water loss (Dr Aldallal)
• Powering our cities through the use of 5G (Dr Ramadan)
• Driving intelligent transport and logistics within our cities (Dr Jedidi)
• Creating digital twin models to maximise efficient community heat networks (Dr Scrimieri)

Sincere thanks to WTUN members Ahlia University and the College of Engineering for hosting this event. Thanks go to the Chair and each speaker for their contributions: 

• Professor Yousif Albastaki, Ahlia University
• Dr Ammar Aldallal, Ahlia University
• Dr Khaled Ramadan, Ahlia University
• Dr Ahmed Jedidi, Ahlia University
• Dr Daniele Scrimieri, University of Bradford 

Reflecting on Workshop 1 of the WTUN-ASEP 2025

The first workshop in the WTUN-Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme 2025 concluded just over 2 weeks ago. As participants have returned to their home institutions with time to reflect on the intensive 5-day entrepreneurship workshop, they have shared their experiences online: 

“Over five intensive days, they engaged in a transformative experience—developing innovative business ideas, participating in high-energy brainstorming sessions, and confidently pitching their projects to a panel of three expert judges, in a setting similar to the world-renowned Dragons’ Den!” 

Majan University College and the experiences of participating students and Ms Mazoon Al Zadjali, Deputy Head of Students Services & Guidance. Read more on LinkedIn (external link).

Khaing Ngwe Ngwe Thin, from Suranaree University of Technology, shares her experience in the first workshop: 

“It has been one of the most insightful experiences I’ve ever had by exploring potential collaborations, learning, cultural exchange and networking with entrepreneurial-minded youths around the world.” 

Read more on LinkedIn (external link).

Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE), University of Bradford, hosts of Workshop 1, reflect on the week:  

“This workshop brought together entrepreneurial-minded students from across the globe, with Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem taking an active role in developing and accelerating newly formed enterprises, led by dynamic international founder teams, to create real-world solutions…. Great appreciation to our expert speakers for sharing their entrepreneurial journeys throughout the week, as well as to the participating WTUN member universities for their contributions. 

Read More on LinkedIn (external link).

And finally, 

Omotayo Adebisi, one of the “tame dragon’s” at the final Dragon’s Den panel, shared her experiences in “supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs”:  

It was inspiring to see students from across the UK, Thailand, China, and Oman take their first steps in developing innovative business ideas. From ideation to pitching, their dedication and creativity were truly impressive, showcasing the potential of these aspiring entrepreneurs to shape the future… I was blown away by the passion and ambition displayed by the teams. 

Read more about Tayo’s experience here (external link) 

In case you missed it, in the last WTUN newsletter we shared a comprehensive summary of the first workshop. Read it here: https://www.wtu-n.net/2025/02/wtun-newsletter-february-2025-2/ 

Collaborating internationally via the WTUN Exchange Programme

The recipients of the 2023/24 WTUN Exchange Programme are finalising their visits and preparing their impact summary reports to share their experiences and progress in newfound collaborations. 

Dr Esra AlDhaen from Ahlia University is one of the most recent recipients to complete her exchange visit to University of Bradford, hosted by Dr Amizan Omar, Associate Professor in Strategic Management at the School of Management. 

During her visit, Esra shared insights with final-year undergraduate students at University of Bradford on demonstrating impact aligned with the SDGs, answering the question posed by host Dr Amizan Omar “How can academic research translate into tangible progress on sustainability challenges?” Read a summary the seminar given by Dr AlDhaen to a group of final-year undergraduate students at the University of Bradford via this post on LinkedIn.

Key themes from the discussion included: 

• The significance of research impact – Moving beyond theoretical exploration to influence policy and practice. 
• Integrating SDGs into academic research – Identifying relevant SDGs and embedding them meaningfully into research methodologies. 
• Demonstrating real-world impact – Exploring strategies to translate research findings into actionable change.

Dr AlDhaen also presented strategies for maximising visibility and real-world influence for meaningful engagement from policymakers, industry leaders and fellow researchers. A summary of these discussions were shared here.

Each WTUN Exchange Programme participant is required to Post-Exchange Summary and Impact Report. The WTUN Secretariat is collating these and will share via case studies on our website here: https://www.wtu-n.net/case-studies/  

Interested in applying for funding? Applications for our 2024/25 Exchange Programme close on 20 March 2025*. Find out more here: https://www.wtu-n.net.com/exchanges/  

*Internal deadlines may apply. 

WTUN Student Competition 2025 – Will your students tackle this year’s challenge?

The WTUN Student Competition 2025 is open for submissions until 10 April 2025: https://www.wtu-n.net/student-competition/  

This year, students are asked to propose an innovative solution which addresses “Sustainable Innovation for Planetary Health – Local Solutions for Global Problems”.  

All proposals are presented in video format, accompanied by a written application, and must address the UN’s SDGs as well as demonstrate public engagement, measurable societal impact, cost-efficiency and deliverability. Bonus points are awarded to multidisciplinary teams and proposing solutions which can be applied to another geographical area of a fellow WTUN member. 

Winners are showcased on our website and provided with a cash prize. 

In case your students need some inspiration, revisit the 2024 winners here: https://www.wtu-n.net/2024/05/student-competition-2024-the-winners/  

Looking ahead to WTUC2025

7 months to go until WTUN members unite at World Technology Universities Congress 2025, hosted by Thaksin University in Songkhla, Thailand in October 2025. 

This year’s theme is “The Glocalization: Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global.”  

Thaksin University is currently consulting Operational Board members to finalise the subthemes and agenda for this upcoming congress. In the meantime, to learn more about Thaksin University and this year’s theme, watch the below video: https://youtu.be/0MRYmwZjFv4 

International Green Gown Awards 2025: Applications Open

The International Green Gown Awards are supported by UN Environment Programme and are open to any university or college across the world.
Now in their 11th year, applications are now open and close on 28 April 2025 at 12:00 UTC. 

Winners will be announced in October.  

Recognising exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the world’s universities and colleges, the International Green Gown Awards set the bar and put every learning institution at the heart of delivering the UN Global Goals.
https://www.greengownawards.org/international-green-gown-awards  

Please note: If your institution is in the UK & Ireland or Australasian regional chapters, you can only apply via the regional route and cannot apply directly to any of the International Green Gown Awards categories. 

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

UTM shares the 15th Issue of their UTM Nexus Magazine, highlighting their institutional research updates. The 15th issue explores the theme of Planetary Health, which was echoed in the theme of the World Technology Universities Congress 2024, hosted by UTM, “Alliances for Diplomacy: Harnessing University Collaborations for Planetary Health.” 

In this magazine, read updates on powering sustainability via energy benchmarking and the UTM Research & Innovation Blueprint 2030: https://research.utm.my/nexusmagazine/.

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

WTUN Member: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Programme Name: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W)

Eligibility/Participants: Female engineering students aged 18-25

Programme Dates: 8-23 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 920 (EURO) – including tuition fees, room for the entire stay, meals on weekdays (weekends are free for individual activities), numerous field trips.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Kamilla Trubicki

Email: isae4w@fh-ooe.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/isae4w 

Overview: The International Summer Academy for Women in Engineering (ISAE4W) offers an ideal opportunity for a selected group of highly-motivated and talented women (high school, college or undergraduate students) to experience top-class and challenging university-level coursework.

WTUN Member: Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

Programme Name: The Business of German Engineering

Eligibility/Participants: Any enrolled student with interest in engineering and business. English language qualifications are required.

Programme Dates: 6-19 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 15 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 1800 (EURO) – including lectures, company visits, accomodation, socio-cultural activities and transportation within the programme. HSHL can offer a limited number of scholarships.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Katia Yashchuk

Email: summerschool@hshl.de

Webpage: https://summerschool.hshl.de/

Flyer: https://summerschool.hshl.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HSHL_Summer-School-Flyer_2025.pdf

Overview: By combining science, business, and culture, the English-speaking academic program offers a versatile learning experience. Participants gain insights into innovative technological developments in the field of applied engineering and beyond through daily lectures, followed by visits of successful middle-sized companies in the region. Interdisciplinary seminars and social activities round up the program.

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.

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

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the network.

WTUN-Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme

Last week, the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem at University of Bradford hosted 29 students from 7 universities for 5 days of intensive networking, ideation, business development and presentations at the workshop-one of the inaugural WTUN – Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP).  

Friday marked the final day of workshop one, culminating in a total of 17 separate business ideas being pitched during an exciting ‘tame’ Dragon’s Den-style event. Student founder teams showcased their innovative business ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs and business experts who then offered valuable insights and constructive feedback to help guide the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey.  

The programme offers students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of running an enterprise through fast paced, real-life experiences, with the goal of enabling students to progress from the first meeting to securing funding for a social or business enterprise in just four months. 

Ahead of the workshop, participating students shared what they hoped to achieve in this first event: 

The first 5-day workshop focussed on introductions, generation and selection of enterprise ideas. Described by one participant as “a ‘Mini-MBA’”, participating students were coached and supported throughout. Participating students will now continue to receive ongoing support from the team at BREE to develop and test their business plan. Any student wishing to participate in workshop-two, hosted by Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT), in Beijing is required to submit a business plan by mid-April.  

Throughout the programme, students were encouraged to build on “ideas for a different future”, challenge perspectives and utilise humour to bond with one another and develop their ideas. With the use of props and permission to think outside of the box, participants were asked to consider the full breadth and depth of creativity throughout their entrepreneurial development. 

On day 4, the group of entrepreneurs were taken to the surrounding countryside, The Yorkshire Dales, to bond with one another, connect with nature, and to continue to build their connections outside of the “boardroom” and in an “unconventional” business setting.  

Following the conclusion of the final day, students shared their experiences on social media, celebrating their new skills, friends, and business partners: 

Christian O Owusu from the University of Bradford presenting his idea, “Basscaly”.

Amel Hadfi from University of Bradford shares a recap of the week.

Students have returned to their home institutions but will reunite for the second workshop hosted at Beijing University of Chemical Technology in China from 30 June to 04 July 2025. This entrepreneurship ‘boot camp’ will support founder teams, finalise prototypes, concepts and designs, develop a compelling presentation and promotional literature, and on the last day have the opportunity to present to a panel of real investors and benefactors for real investment with which to grow their new enterprise, in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitching session. 

We can’t wait to see what the participants achieve! 

To find out more about WTUN-ASEP including future participation contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk  

WTUN for World Engineering Day

Join us as we celebrate World Engineering Day 2025. 

This year’s theme is “Unleashing the power of engineers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals”. Colleagues from Ahlia University’s College of Engineering will be marking the event through an online event titled “IoT for Smart and Sustainable Cities” 

IoT for Smart and Sustainable Cities 

Wednesday 05 March, 09:00-10:30 (GMT) 

Via Microsoft Teams 

Register here to attend.

Learn more here: https://www.wtu-n.net/webinars/ 

WTUN Exchange Programme 2023-24

Post-Exchange Case Study: Research and Praxis-based, Multidimensional Model of Promoting Equity in Higher Education 

Hosted by Professor Penny Jane Burke, the UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education and the Co-Director of CEEHE, Dr Venganai’s aim was to exchange ideas and explore potential areas of collaboration, such as curriculum development and the co-design of joint short courses and to share the Women’s University in Africa (WUA)’s model of addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in university education. The shared vision of the two institutions provided fertile ground for future research partnerships between the two institutions. 

“My exchange to University of Newcastle was fruitful and demonstrates WTUN’s commitment to enabling mobility and global citizenship opportunities, and as I share my experiences, this has ensured that I also speak about WTUN support and its purpose…I learned a lot about the work at CEEHE and their model in addressing inequities within the University of Newcastle and the surrounding communities…I have already started sharing with colleagues at Women’s University in Africa about what I learnt during my exchange regarding best practice in promoting equity in higher education through research and practice.”

Dr Hellen Venganai, Director of Gender and Diversity Centre, Women’s University in Africa 

Read more about Dr Venganai’s visit and plans for further collaboration between WTUN members Women’s University in Africa and University of Newcastle here: Post-Exchange Case Study – Dr Venganai

Thank you to Dr Venganai, Prof Burke and all involved in the successful coordination of this visit.  

Read our exchange case studies here. 

Thinking of submitting a proposal? The 2024/25 WTUN Exchange Programme is currently accepting proposals. 

Apply here.

Call for Speakers: WTUN for International Day of Zero Waste

International Day of Zero Waste 

“Humanity’s unsustainable production and consumption practices are driving the planet towards destruction. 

Households, small businesses and public service providers generate between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste every year – from packaging and electronics to plastics and food. However, global waste management services are ill-equipped to handle this, with 2.7 billion people lacking access to solid waste collection and only 61-62 per cent of municipal solid waste being managed in controlled facilities. Humanity must act urgently to address the waste crisis.”

This year’s International Day of Zero Waste emphasizes the need for action in the fashion and textile sector to reduce waste and advance circular solutions. Towards zero waste in fashion and textiles 

The rapid growth in textiles production and consumption is outpacing sustainability efforts in the sector, causing severe environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly in the Global South. Clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2015 and yet, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. This equates to a garbage truck full of clothing incinerated or sent to landfills every second.” Source- zero-waste-day  

The WTUN is sharing this call for speakers to join us for an online event to mark this year’s International Day of Zero Waste – ‘Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles’ 

Please use the following form to submit EOIs – https://forms.office.com/e/ggBH9DUs7v 

Deadline: Tuesday 18 March 2025 

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Calgary, Canada

SAIT Applied Research and Innovation Services travelled to the high arctic to attend the Kitikmeot Trade Show in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut on Victoria Island.  

University of Newcastle, Australia

Newcastle, Australia

The WTUN is pleased to introduce Dr Aleksandr Voninski, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global) as the new Operational Board member for the University of Newcastle effective 1 March 2025. Dr Voninski replaces Professor Kent Anderson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Global. We would like to thank Professor Anderson for his support and contributions to the success of the network during his tenure and all the very best in his retirement.  

About Dr Voninski:

Dr Alek Voninski recently joined the University of Newcastle as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global), where he looks after partnerships, transnational education, visits & protocol, student mobility and international education sustainability initiatives. With over 25 years of work experience across the Asia-Pacific international education ecosystem, including English language assessment, student recruitment, admissions and education management consulting, Alek looks forward to working with WTUN partners on education innovation and fostering exchanges. Alek can be contacted at alek.voninski@newcastle.edu.au  

Who’s Who at WTUN Member Universities?

Following some recent changes to executive teams at member institutions, please see an update Member Directory here: Member Directory 2024-25 (Version 1.1.)

If any information listed is no longer correct, please do update the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk with corrections. 

Webinar Rewind

In 2023, Dr Ammar AlBalushi from Majan University College visited Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Vice-Rector Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Suranaree University of Technology via the WTUN Exchange Programme. His exchange focused on entrepreneurship but extended beyond traditional capacity-building to foster cultural understanding and the Thai-context for entrepreneurship. 

Watch Dr AlBalushi summarise his trip in under 1 minute during a WTUN online event, “WTUN Exchange Programme: Speaker Series – MUC visits SUT”.

Watch the clip here.

The full video, also featuring Dr Sungsanit is available here: WTUN Exchange Programme: Speaker Series – MUC visits SUT.

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

WTUN Member: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Programme Name: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W)

Eligibility/Participants: Female engineering students aged 18-25

Programme Dates: 8-23 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 920 (EURO) – including tuition fees, room for the entire stay, meals on weekdays (weekends are free for individual activities), numerous field trips.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Kamilla Trubicki

Email: isae4w@fh-ooe.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/isae4w 

Overview: The International Summer Academy for Women in Engineering (ISAE4W) offers an ideal opportunity for a selected group of highly-motivated and talented women (high school, college or undergraduate students) to experience top-class and challenging university-level coursework.

Programme Name: International Days in Social Work

Eligibility/Participants: Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work students

Programme Dates: 9-13 June 2025 (5 days)

Deadline for Applications: 2 March 2025

Programme Fee*: €75,– Euro/student for program from Tuesday, June 10th – Friday, June 13th

Lead Faculty or School: School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences

Contact: Iwona Hunstorfer

Email: international@fh-linz.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/int-days-in-social-work 

Overview: The Department of Social Work and the International Office Linz are happy to welcome you for a 5-day program of lectures, workshops and cultural activities – offering everyone the chance to meet people from different countries and to look at Social Work from an international and intercultural perspective. Lectures/workshops will be given by lecturers from various international partner universities. In addition, we will visit social organizations active in a variety of different areas, such as youth work, immigration, or violence prevention.

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.

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

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the network.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025

Tuesday 11 February is the United Nations designated ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’. The WTUN’s collective commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable innovation in education and research cannot be achieved without a sustained, intentional and impactful commitment to the advancement of gender equity and the inclusion of all talent in the sciences. This Day is a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. 

The WTUN is proud to provide a platform to scientists and researchers across the network through our activities and online events. On this day, we’d like to pay particular attention to and highlight a cross-section of the contributions made by women at WTUN events over the past year: 

2025 Int. Day of Women & Girls in Science – WTUN Highlight

WTUN-Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme

Next week, 29 students and 3 staff,  from 7 universities and 5 countries will attend the first of two workshops as part of the inaugural WTUN-Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP).

About ASEP:

The Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programmes (ASEP), established by the University of Bradford in 2016, offers students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of running an enterprise. These programmes are fast paced, real-life experiences, with the goal of enabling students to progress from first meeting to securing funding for a social or business enterprise in just four months. Many of the students who have attended the programme have gone on to run successful businesses.

Inaugural WTUN- ASEP 2025

The first WTUN ASEP Workshops will be co-hosted by University of Bradford (UK) and Beijing University of Chemical Technology (China)

The WTUN – Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme is structured around two 5 day workshops. The first workshop focuses on introductions, generation and selection of enterprise ideas and the formation of founder teams, where appropriate. Following this workshop students receive support to develop and test their business plan. Learn more.

“These workshops will bring together the most talented and entrepreneurial minded students across different continents within the World Technology University Network to create successful international businesses. We really appreciate the support from WTUN participating institutes and the WTUN central office, and we will continue to work with WTUN member institutes to expand the programme and develop a wider entrepreneurial community for our students and staff.”

Workshop 1: February 17 – 21, University of Bradford, UK.

Workshop 2 : June 30 – 4 July,  Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China

Live: WTUN Exchange Programme and Student Competition 2025

WTUN Exchange Programme 2024/25: 

Submit a proposal to access 1 of 18 x £2,000 GBP grants to support exchange visits and collaborative activities with colleagues at a WTUN member institution.  

Learn more here: https://www.wtu-n.net/exchanges/ 

Open to: Academic and Professional Services staff and PhD students. 

Deadline: Thursday 20 March 2025 (Internal Deadlines may apply) 

WTUN Student Competition 2025 

Multidisciplinary teams of 2-4 students are tasked to produce a new, sustainable and innovative solution to address their chosen UN Sustainable Development Goal under the 2024-25 theme “Sustainable Innovation for Planetary Health – Local Solutions for Global Problems” 

Learn more and apply: https://www.wtu-n.net/student-competition/ 

Open to: Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD students f 

Deadline: Thursday 10 April 2025 

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

WTUN Member: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Programme Name: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W)

Eligibility/Participants: Female engineering students aged 18-25

Programme Dates: 8-23 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 920 (EURO) – including tuition fees, room for the entire stay, meals on weekdays (weekends are free for individual activities), numerous field trips.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Kamilla Trubicki

Email: isae4w@fh-ooe.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/isae4w 

Overview: The International Summer Academy for Women in Engineering (ISAE4W) offers an ideal opportunity for a selected group of highly-motivated and talented women (high school, college or undergraduate students) to experience top-class and challenging university-level coursework.

Programme Name: International Days in Social Work

Eligibility/Participants: Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work students

Programme Dates: 9-13 June 2025 (5 days)

Deadline for Applications: 2 March 2025

Programme Fee*: €75,– Euro/student for program from Tuesday, June 10th – Friday, June 13th

Lead Faculty or School: School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences

Contact: Iwona Hunstorfer

Email: international@fh-linz.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/int-days-in-social-work 

Overview: The Department of Social Work and the International Office Linz are happy to welcome you for a 5-day program of lectures, workshops and cultural activities – offering everyone the chance to meet people from different countries and to look at Social Work from an international and intercultural perspective. Lectures/workshops will be given by lecturers from various international partner universities. In addition, we will visit social organizations active in a variety of different areas, such as youth work, immigration, or violence prevention.

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.

Ahlia University

Manama, Bahrain

Ahlia University hosted the First PhD Forum on Digital Media and Commnication Technology, at which Mr. Yousef Al-Binkhalil emphasised that “AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any media institution aiming to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.” To signify the increasing influence of AI in digital media, Professor Mansoor Alaali, President of Ahlia University, in his opening remarks “made a notable statement by revealing that he had prepared his speech in collaboration with ChatGPT, with some modifications.”

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

Bhubaneswar, India

Dr Aparupa Pani, Associate Dean of Research, School of Civil Engineering shares the growth of KIIT’s research and the impact of their Research and Development efforts and resulting patents. 

Watch the 1 minute video here. 

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

Taipei City, Taiwan

NTUST has released the latest edition of their Newsletter (December 2024). The edition includes an interview with Professor Ching-Wei Wang on the pioneering use of AI in medicine on Page 19 and reflections on cybersecurity from The IEEE Symposium on Communications and Network Security in September 2024 on Page 9. 

Shibaura Institute of Technology

Tokyo, Japan

SIT share the latest developments from their researchers. 

Quantum spin liquids defy the standard rules of magnetism which have fascinated researchers for years. Professor Yasuyuki Ishii and his team have made breakthroughs which expand scientific understanding of these materials and pave the way for pioneering work in quantum materials and technology. 

Read more here.

Researchers have developed a novel 6D pose dataset which can improve robotic grasping accuracy and adaptability in industrial settings. The development of this dataset brings grasping accuracy to 98%, setting a new industry benchmark. 

Find out more here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia 

Prof. Shafry  is a distinguished Professor with expertise in Computer Science, specifically in Image Processing, Spatial Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence. He previously served as a Research Fellow at the Media and Game Innovation of Excellence (MaGICX) and the Institute of Human-Centred Engineering (iHuMeN) at UTM. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, he held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) at UTM. 

On behalf of the World Technology Universities Network, Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair, WTUN and Vice Chancellor, University of Bradford extends a heartfelt congratulation to Professor Shafry and UTM on this appointment. 

Read more here.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Alberta, Canada

Join SAIT as they mark International Women’s Day 2025 with a full day of events. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend keynote speaker, Gayathri Shukla, Diversity, Leadership & Human-Centred Design Expert’s session online at 9:00am (GMT-7) on March 5, 2025. 

Workshops will follow the keynote under the theme of #AccelerateAction, exploring themes on leadership, gender diversity, and ally-ship in male-dominated industries. 

Learn more here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau

Ilmenau, Germany

TU Ilmenau launches European University Alliance SUNRISE which strives to foster interdisciplinary research and promote regional sustainable development. SUNRISE stands for Smaller (strategic) Universities Network for Regional Innovative and Sustainable Evolution”. Learn more about SUNRISE here.

TU Ilmenau is also involved in other initiatives which explore sustainable development. The Climate N network unites Thuringian universities across Germany to anchor sustainability into research, teaching and campus. In partnership with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, TU Ilmenau has launched the Mobility Economics Conference to research the upheavals within the automotive and mobility industry through the perspective of the German economy. 

University of Bradford

Bradford, United Kingdom

A University project led by Dr Sobia Kauser and Stuart Walker has won a prestigious Times Higher Education Award 2024 for a project that allows disabled students to access scientific laboratories. The system, known as ‘Managing Risk for Impaired Laboratory Users’ (MaRiLU) won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category and was described by judges as “incredibly impactful”. 

Learn more here.

September 1-5, 2025, the University of Bradford will the Human Development and Capability Association (HDCA)’s annual conference. The theme for 2025 is “Culture, Peace and Capabilities”. The conference will showcase human progress in the development of justice, equality, human rights and inclusion.  

Visit the conference site here: https://hd-ca.org/conferences/2025-hdca-conference-bradford-uk 

Paper and panel proposal submissions extended deadline: 18th February 2025 

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

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the network.

Connect with the WTUN at FAUBAI 2025

WTUN Development Manager, Denise Whitehead is attending FAUBAI – Associação Brasileira de Educação Internacional Conference 2025.

“I am looking forward to representing the WTUN and it’s 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!”

Denise Whitehead, WTUN Development Manager.

FAUBAI and WTUN members Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) will also attend the conference in Brasilia April 26-30 2025.

WTUN for International Day of Clean Energy

On Tuesday 28 January, the World Technology Universities Network held an online event to mark International Day of Clean Energy.

Topics covered included

• ‘Na/Mg-Ion Batteries: Revolutionizing Affordable, Clean, and Renewable Energy Storage for Advancing SDG-7’
• ‘Revolutionizing Clean Energy: The Transformative Role of Superconducting Technologies’
• ‘International Clean Energy Day 2025: Advancing Planetary Health Through Energy Transition, Research, and Policy in Higher Education’
• ‘Empowering Rural Communities through Grassroots Clean Energy Initiatives in India’

Read all about the event and the speakers here – wtu-n.net/webinars/

The recording of the event will be shared hear and on the WTUN’s YouTube channel in due course.

Sincere thank you to our speakers:

• Professor Puspamitra Panigrahi, Head, Centre for Clean Energy and Nano Convergence (CENCON), Hindustan University
• Professor Muralidhar Miryala, Head, Materials for Energy and Environmental Laboratory, Shibaura Institute of Technology
• Professor Mohd Fadhil Md Din, Director of Campus Sustainability, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
• Professor Badri Narayanan, Professor & Head, School of Management, Hindustan University

Open now! WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25

The WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25 is currently open for proposals. Deadline – Thursday 20 March 2025*.

We particularly encourage proposals for collaboration in the areas of Gender Equality, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action and International collaboration between HE institutions 

The WTUN Exchange Programme is open to academic and professional services staff and PhD students at WTUN member universities. For 2024-25 there are 18 grants of up to £2000 available.

Please note: Each WTUN member institution is permitted to submit two proposals each. Each proposal must be approved by the sending institution’s Operational Board Member

Find out more about eligible collaborative activities and how to apply here: https://www.wtu-n.net/exchanges/

*Internal deadlines may apply.

WTUN Student Competition 2024-25

Working in teams of 2-4, students are tasked to produce a new, sustainable and innovative solution to address their chosen UN SDG(s).

Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, extra points will be awarded to inter-disciplinary teams.

Deadline: Thursday 10 April 2025

See here for full details and how to enter.

Find our promotional email here, for convenient sharing with colleagues and students: WTUN Student Competition Promotional Email

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

WTUN Member: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

Programme Name: International Summer Academy in Engineering for Women (ISAE4W)

Eligibility/Participants: Female engineering students aged 18-25

Programme Dates: 8-23 July 2025

Deadline for Applications: 30 April 2025

Programme Fee: € 920 (EURO) – including tuition fees, room for the entire stay, meals on weekdays (weekends are free for individual activities), numerous field trips.

Lead Faculty or School: School of Engineering

Contact: Kamilla Trubicki

Email: isae4w@fh-ooe.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/isae4w 

Overview: The International Summer Academy for Women in Engineering (ISAE4W) offers an ideal opportunity for a selected group of highly-motivated and talented women (high school, college or undergraduate students) to experience top-class and challenging university-level coursework.

Programme Name: International Days in Social Work

Eligibility/Participants: Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work students

Programme Dates: 9-13 June 2025 (5 days)

Deadline for Applications: 2 March 2025

Programme Fee*: €75,– Euro/student for program from Tuesday, June 10th – Friday, June 13th

Lead Faculty or School: School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences

Contact: Iwona Hunstorfer

Email: international@fh-linz.at

Webpage: www.fh-ooe.at/int-days-in-social-work 

Overview: The Department of Social Work and the International Office Linz are happy to welcome you for a 5-day program of lectures, workshops and cultural activities – offering everyone the chance to meet people from different countries and to look at Social Work from an international and intercultural perspective. Lectures/workshops will be given by lecturers from various international partner universities. In addition, we will visit social organizations active in a variety of different areas, such as youth work, immigration, or violence prevention.

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.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

Bhubaneswar, India

5th International Conference on Management Research
21-22 February 2025
“Management Perspectives for a Technology-driven Future”
Register here to attend.

3rd IEEE International Conference on Industrial Electronics: Developments & Applications
21-22 February 2025, Hybrid
Find out more here.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

Taipei City, Taiwan

NTUST has launched the Graduate Institute of Advanced Semiconductor Technology, focusing on cutting-edge research in silicon photonics, compound semiconductor materials and advanced packaging. The research centre also aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration.

Learn more here.

Thaksin University

Songkhla, Thailand

TSU shares their strategic plan to become a leading social innovation unviersity by 2027 through the advancement of technology and innovation. The university hopes to develop into a center for innovative education, fostering sustainable national development.

Read more here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

UTM Senior Lecturer, Dr Yap Yung Szen, is a leading expert in Quantum Computing. His team has developed a control device which can act as a motherboard for quantum computers.

Learn more about his work here.

UTM has launched the UPM-UTM Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Centre which is a collaboration funded by Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia,   Japan Science and Technology Agency and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The six year project aims to generate continuous, clean energy and supporting desalination to produce fresh water.

Read more here.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Alberta, Canada

SAIT’s Applied research and Innovation Services have joined a network of 38 post-secondary institutions across Canada to receive $24 million CAD for lab to market entrepreneurship and research commercialisation. The investment aims to transform groundbreaking research into real-world solutions to create innovation and economic growth across the nation.

Read more here.

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Natal, Brazil

UFRN’s Smart Metropolis Project looks at how technologies can be integrated into urban space management data. The project searches for solutions to consider transportation, security and public services for more efficient and liveable spaces.

Learn more here.

Atlantic Technological University

Multi-Campus, Ireland

ATU’s EU GREEN University Alliance is launching a monthly online lecture series to connect research to sustainability practices. The first lecture takes place on Friday 31 January titled “Blue Bioeconomy and Sustainability” with Professor Frances Lucy, EU GREEN Lead at ATU.

The lecture is aimed at students, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives.

Learn more here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau

Ilmenau, Germany

TU Ilmenau has shared their institutional research theme for 2025; “Research for Europe”. With their global partners, they hope to find interdisciplinary answers to increasingly complex questions and social challenges of the modern day.

Read more here.

University of Bradford

Bradford, United Kingdom

14th Making Diversity Interventions Count Annual Conference (MDICAC) 2025
21 May 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 March 2025
Find out more here.

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

Happy New Year from the World Technology Universities Network! We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead with our WTUN Member Institutions, friends and colleagues.

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the network.

Looking back on 2024

2024 was a busy year for the World Technology Universities Network, full of new members, accomplishments, and interesting initiatives. Look at our year in numbers:

3 New Members

The WTUN welcomed members from Canada (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), the Philippines (Mindanao State University) and India (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology).

8 Online Events

With contributions from colleagues across the network, we have held events to share knowledge and commemorate global events such as International Day of Clean Energy and World Engineering Day and International Women in Engineering Day.

13 Members at WTUC2024

The 2024 World Technology Universities Congress was hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor Bahru under the theme of Alliances for Diplomacy: Harnessing University Collaborations for Planetary Health’. The 2024 Congress convened colleagues from 13 of our member institutions; Atlantic Technological University, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Majan University College, Mindanao State University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Thaksin University, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, University of Bradford, and hosts of WTUC2024, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

The 2024 Congress was chaired by WTUN Chair Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of University of Bradford. We would like to thank each of our WTUN Congress speakers who can be found here: 2024 Congress Speakers.

Finally, we’d like to thank Professor Datuk TS. Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir, Group CEO; University Vice-Chancellor UCSI University, Malaysia, for her contributions as our Guest Lecturer for the 2024 WTUN Annual Lecture. The Lecture can be watched back here: 2024 WTUN Annual Lecture.

We look forward to a successful 2025 with your continued support and participation.

Apply now to the WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25

The WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25 is now open for applications.

This year, 18 grants of £2,000 are available for academic and professional services staff members and PhD students to visit another WTUN member institution.

This year, proposals are encouraged within focus areas including Gender Equality, Sustainable Cities and Communities and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Please note: Each WTUN member institution is only permitted to submit two proposals. Therefore, each application must be approved by the sending institution’s Operational Board Member.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 20 March 2025*.

Find out more about eligible collaborative activities and how to apply here: https://www.wtu-n.net/exchanges/

*Internal deadlines may apply.

WTUN for International Day of Clean Energy

The WTUN has shared a call for speakers for a proposed online event on Tuesday 28 January between 12:00-15:00 (GMT).

Any colleagues who wish to contribute to this session under the theme of “Affordable and Clean Energy” (SDG7), are invited to submit a brief abstract of their intended talk.

Deadline for EOI and Abstracts: Monday 20 January 2025

Email your EOI/abstract to wtun@bradford.ac.uk.

WTUN Student Competition 2024-25 is now live!

We are pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Student Competition. For 2024-25, students will work together to address the theme ‘Sustainable Innovation for Planetary Health – Local Solutions for Global Problems’.

Working in teams of 2-4, students are tasked to produce a new, sustainable and innovative solution to address their chosen UN SDG(s).

Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, extra points will be awarded to inter-disciplinary teams.

Deadline: Thursday 10 April 2025

See here for full details and how to enter.

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology

Bhubaneswar, India

Hear from Jen Webb, Professor from University of Canberra and Dr David Anshin, University of Texas, on their experiences as visiting academics to KIIT.

Professor Subasis Ghosh, from the Kalinga School of Management, shares how KIIT connects its students with industry and alumni pioneers for transformative learning.

Interested in visiting KIIT? Apply for the WTUN Exchange Programme 2024-25 for a £2,000 grant to support facilitation of collaborative works between you and a KIIT colleague.

You can find out more about KIIT, including contact information, on their WTUN Profile.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Bangkok, Thailand

KMUTT will celebrate their 65^th anniversary this year under the theme “65 Years of Wisdom: Crafting Sustainable Futures”.

They will be celebrating this milestone through events throughout 2025 including academic conferences and international collaborations.

In the meantime, view the official logo to commemorate their 65^th anniversary here.

Mindanao State University

Mindanao, Philippines

MSU’s University Newsletter is now available including reflections on the 12^th AICIF forwarding the role of Islamic Finance for a better world.

Read the Newsletter here.

Shibaura Institute of Technology

Tokyo, Japan

Catch up on the latest research from SIT colleagues:

• Professor Shinya Inazumi looks to integreate ground source heat pump systems with energy piles for smarter cities. Read here.
• Associate Professor Yoshihisa Hirota and Professor Seiji Komeda explore treating prostate cancer with new platinum complexes. Read here.
• Professor Naomi Osakabe uncovers how everyday foods regulate glucose levels in the gut, improving health management. Read here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Dr A Koglia Vani, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre full member, shares her three step framework which advises year-round preparation and training for personnel to support “ready-to-go” flood responses.

Read the article here.

Atlantic Technological University

Multi-Campus, Ireland

ATU researchers, led by Dr. José M. Fariñas-Franco, contributed to a global study on the collapse of native oyster reefs, featured in BBC Wildlife Magazine. Highlighting international collaboration, the project combined cutting-edge marine technology and ecological expertise to document the native oyster habitats off Ireland’s coast. Read more here.

A new open-access digital book, Lakes in Ireland – Mirrors of Change, showcases the vital role of Ireland’s lakes. The publication features contributions from ATU researchers Dr. Heather Lally, Dr. Emma Gray, and Professor Frances Lucy, who co-authored chapters on lake biodiversity and invasive aquatic species. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing environmental challenges facing Ireland’s lakes. Read more here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau

Ilmenau, Germany

TU Ilmenau celebrates an upgraded Virtual Reality Lab, supported by Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technologies. TU Ilmenau’s state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Lab features 77 loudspeakers for realistic acoustic simulations. As part of the I3TC, it offers cutting-edge resources for immersive technology research and invites collaborations with industry and academia to advance VR/AR and spatial audio innovations.

Read more here.

University of Bradford

Bradford, United Kingdom

UOB has shared their Research and Innovation Annual Report 2023/24, showcasing their most recent research projects and insights into the areas of expertise that Bradford leads on.

Read the full report here.

A shorter article summarises 10 of recent research and innovation projects from the university that will change the world for the better. Read the article here.

The University of Bradford has appointed a new Operational Board Member: Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement. 

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

Welcome to this month’s roundup of updates and events happening across the World Technology Universities Network.

Advancing Global Collaboration in Sustainable Transport through the WTUN Exchange Programme

Professor Thangakumar, Head of Computer Science and Engineering at Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, recently visited the University of Bradford as part of the WTUN Exchange Programme 2023/24. His visit exemplifies how academic exchanges foster impactful collaboration, providing a platform to address global challenges like sustainable transport.

Read in full here.

WTUN Student Competition 2024-25 is now live!

We are pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Student Competition. For 2024-25, students will work together to address the theme ‘Sustainable Innovation for Planetary Health – Local Solutions for Global Problems’.

Working in teams of 2-4, students are tasked to produce a new, sustainable and innovative solution to address their chosen UN SDG(s).

Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students, extra points will be awarded to inter-disciplinary teams.

Deadline: Thursday 10 April 2025

See here for full details and how to enter.

Advanced Warning of Out of Office from the WTUN Secretariat

The WTUN Secretariat team will be out of office for the festive period from Friday 20 December 2024 and will return to office on Thursday 02 January 2025.

All enquiries will be picked up on the team’s return to office.

For all those who will be celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or any other festivities over the coming weeks, on behalf of the WTUN, we wish you a joyful and restful period.

The 10th World Technology Universities Congress 2025 will be taking place in Songkhla, Thailand from 20-22 October 2025. Thaksin University will be hosting #WTUC2025 under the theme ‘The ‘Glocalisation’: Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global’.

The annual congress creates a global partnership between education, business, governments and development organisations and fosters opportunity for technology universities to showcase how they work within their broader contexts to address challenges society faces.

We will be sharing further details shortly.

Ahlia University

Manama, Bahrain

Ahlia University partner IEEE Computer Society Digital Library (CSDL) has launched a new journal dedicated to Quantum Computing. The new publication exhibits cutting-edge research in the rapidly evolving field, sharing groundbreaking discoveries, exploring practical applications and insights from leading experts.

Read in full here.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Calgary, Canada

From SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services

Discover the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) at SAIT

Discover the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub, a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape, at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Our 77,000 square foot state-of-the-art research labs and facilities are fueled by a dynamic team of 80+ research experts dedicated to providing services and solutions for organizations.

We bridge the gap between academia, industry and communities, uniting researchers, innovators and students. This dynamic fusion cultivates skills, drives innovation and transforms concepts into tangible solutions that advance economic and environmental efforts – locally and globally.

ARIS is proud to highlight its Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS).

CIRUS is a specialized research center dedicated to harnessing the potential of advanced remotely piloted systems, sensors, and analytics to drive innovation, research, and the adoption of technology in industry.

Our Focus Areas

1. Industry-driven Applied Research
2. Remotely Piloted Aviation Training Centre

Our Expertise

• Advanced Drone Pilots and Technicians
• Geospatial and Remote Sensing Analysts
• Survey Technicians

Sectors We Service: Energy (Oil, Gas, Mining), Agriculture, Forestry, Health Services, Natural Resource and Emergency Management

Our Capabilities

Digital terrain modeling, bathymetry, water sampling, ground penetrating radar, vegetation health assessment, methane detection and quantification, thermal hot spot detection.

CIRUS provides technical knowledge and remote field expertise with an excellent safety record. Using sensors offering thermal, multispectral, ground penetrating radar, light detection and dual echo sonar, we provide services and training for water sampling, gas detection, night vision, and payload delivery systems. We round out the scope with services and training in planning and operations, regulations, work safety and hazard mitigation and complete the loop with data analytics management.

We’re not just solving problems; we’re shaping a brighter, more competitive future.

For further information or questions, please visit https://www.sait.ca/research-and-innovation-services or email applied.research@sait.ca.

Shibaura Institute of Technology

Tokyo, Japan

Liquefaction is where intense shaking, such as that experienced in earthquakes, causes loose and water-saturated soils to lose strength and behave like a liquid, causing buildings to sink, cracking foundations, and collapsing roads and water lines. Soil liquefaction is present during every major earthquake, causing significant damage seen in the 2024 Noto earthquake in Japan where liquefaction damaged, 6,700 homes and the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, destroyed 80% of water and sewage systems.

Researchers at SIT are using AI to support city planners in identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction. The implementation of the model aims to stable construction sites, enhance disaster planning and safer urban development.

Read in full here.

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