Tag: NewsRoundUp

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

WTUN News:

• Learn more about our member, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, in the latest Member in the Spotlight post. Located in Austria, they are committed to practice orientated teaching and research which dynamically evolve to tackle the challenges of the future.. Read the full profile here.
• This month marks the formal entry of our two newest members: Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (India) and Mindanao State University (Philippines).

News from our Members:

Asia:

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India

• This month marks the formal entry of KIIT to the WTUN. We invite members to visit our announcement of KIIT’s membership to find out more about the institution or to visit their website. Read the announcement here and visit their website here.

Mindanao State University, Philippines

• This month marks the formal entry of MSU to the WTUN. We invite members to visit their website to find out more about the institution.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI) held an AI Insights Talk with The Hive, a venture fund dedicated to co-creating, funding, and launching AI-powered enterprise companies headquartered in Palo Alto, USA. The session included an insightful sharing session titled “The Era of Generative AI: Transformative Technologies, Applications, and Skills for the Future.” Read the full story here.

North America:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

• SAIT has announced that their Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials is moving into the field of alternative construction technologies. The expansion was made possible thanks to a donation from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and will provide the regional construction industry with access to robotics, automation and materials science laboratories. Read the full story here.

South America:

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

• UFRN’s Multicampi School of Medical Sciences (EMCM) is celebrating its tenth anniversary which demonstrates innovation and social commitment in its contribution to training and retaining doctors within the state. The EMCM’s undergraduate course in Medicine has evolved to include a Regional Inclusion Argument which provides preferential access to students from local regions. Around half of those who have graduated from the class work within the region. Read the full story here.
• The Brazilian Congress on Active and Healthy Aging (Conbeas) and the 16th International Seminar on Physical Activity for the Elderly (Siafti) have been published. The event was held by UFRN’s Center for Health Sciences (CCS/UFRN) and the Institute of Aging. The Congress addressed themes such as Challenges of population aging, Intergenerationality, and Active Aging. Read the full story here and read the publication here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• UON has received a $1 million (AUD) investment from the Mark Hughes Foundation to find a cure for brain cancer. The partnership between the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research and The Brain Cancer Centre hope to fast-track a solution to this disease. Find out more here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

• Learn more about our member, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, in the latest Member in the Spotlight post. Based in Brazil, they are committed to innovation, social responsibility and sustainable development. Read the full profile here.
• The WTUN Secretariat had the pleasure of speaking to this year’s recipient of the BC Scholarship Prize, Nadiia Sadova, PhD Candidate at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. Read the interview to learn more about Nadiia’s research and what being awarded the prize means for her.

WTUN Members ONLY:

• Registration is now open for World Technology Universities Congress 2024, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Johor Bahru from Wednesday 02 to Friday 04 October. All  members have been contacted with details and how to register. For further information about the congress, please visit our Congress pages here.

News from our Members:

Asia:

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand

• KMUTT participated in the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and leadership in promoting sustainable practices in Thailand. The congress brings together higher education providers, government, industrial sectors and civil society to discuss ways to create a more sustainable future. Read the full article here.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

• Professor Jem-Kun Chen has developed a “fully automated laser diffraction label-free flow cytometry system” that can detect the number of cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs) within an hour and detect tiny micro-metastasis and disease risk early, supporting early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The research has also won the National Innovation Award. Read the full story here.
• Professor Huei-Tse Hou has developed a game which allows locals and tourists to learn more about the cultural and historical site “Seimokuya” in Puzi, Chiayi, Taiwan and stimulate local tourism. The game is based on principles of cognitive psychology and allows players to glimpse the evolution of urban development in Taiwan, by exploring the streets of Puzi. Read the full story here.
• NTUST celebrates their student team placing third in the WTUN Student Competition. The team, “Let it Go, Let it Flow”, proposed an online feminine hygiene product inquiry and sharing app to help women instantly check where they can get sanitary products. Users are also encouraged to donate the same amount of sanitary products in return, achieving the goal of mutual aid and reciprocity. Read the full story here.

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

• Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems use consistent thermal energy below the earth’s surface to provide heating and cooling for buildings, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. Researchers at SIT investigate their efficacy in tropical regions, for sustainable urban development in Southeast Asia. Read the full story here.

Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand

• Associate Professor Dr Sirirat Tubsungnoen Rattanachan presented at the WTUN for International Women in Engineering Day event in June. She presented the work of her research team, a “Customized Calcium Phosphate Bone Augmentation”, or personalized calcium phosphate bone graft material, developed by Thai researchers. Read the full story here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM’s Faculty of Computing hosted the ‘Faculty of Computing Research and Innovation (FCRI) Day x Meet & Greet with Industries (MGI) 2024’. The event fosters collaboration, enhances research and promotes innovation within the faculty and industry. The theme for this year’s event was ‘AI Transforming Tomorrow’ and highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of technology and industry. Read the full story here.

North America:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

• SAIT reflects on its efforts to decolonize their education opportunities and to remove systemic barriers to Indigenous success. The journey includes hiring Jennifer Russel, Director of Indigenous Engagement and an Indigenous Graduation Ceremony to honour the First Nation, Métis and Inuit graduates, to renaming SAIT’s Indigenous student support space and a course for employees to engage in anti-racism education and promote a transformative relationship between Canadians and Indigenous peoples. Read the full story here.

South America:

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

• UFRN share their latest research stories. Learn more about a ceramic material which can convert mechanical force into electrical pulses which can then be used to produce hydrogen by “breaking water into its elements. Another project looks at using natural fibers from kapok, a common, non-edible regional plant, to create sustainable and biodegradable disposable mask filters.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU researchers working on the Project Tech2Heal have been awarded €1.4 million to bridge technology and care to empower rural workforces, address health disparities and improve patient outcomes. The project aims to support those living in peripheral areas live healthier for longer by proposing suitable changes to work and health policies. Read the full story here.
• Listen to ATU Podcast to hear their latest news and research. Their newest episode covers Dr Edel McSharry and Sean Kelly discuss their inspiring stories of leading nursing students to Uganda to participate in life-changing community projects. Listen to the episode here.
• Ruth Quinn, Assistant Lecturer in Civil, Environment and Water Engineering, shares why we should be collecting and using rainwater, to tackle challenges around climate change such as drought and intense storms. Read the full article here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany

• The EU Commission has approved the network, European University Alliance SUNRISE, led by TU Ilmenau. SUNRISE, standing for Smaller (Strategic) Universities Network for Regional Innovative and Sustainable Evolution), aims o develop concepts for innovative teaching and learning formats, study programs and student mobility, as well as strategies for improved joint research, but also for more intensive cooperation with business and society. Read the full story here.
• Researchers at TU Ilmenau have concluded that the 4-day week can make organisations more flexible and strengthen their workforce when tailored to their company needs. The project tested variants over 6-12 months and established that while some employees felt more relaxed, others felt an increased work pressure. For the companies observed, the 4-day week had no negative effects on figures, customer satisfaction or productivity. In one instance, sickness rate fell significantly. Read the full story here.

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Austria

• FHOÖ celebrate their PhD Candidate, Nadiia Sadova’s success. Nadiia was awarded the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize 2024 for cutting-edge research which is beneficial to people and society. Her work investigates how the intestinal barrier behaves under different stress factors and the implementation of the Drosophilia melanogaster (fruit fly) model organism. Read the full story here.

University of Bradford, United Kingdom

• The Whole-School Physical Activity conference 2024 (WSPA24) concluded that schools pay a key role in addressing long term health inequalities. The conference hear from academics, teachers, psychologists, locality and national partners, and health researchers and pushed for a Creating Active Schools framework to promote children’s physical activity throughout their school day, and not just in breaktimes. Read the full story here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• Clinical researchers look to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. Standard practice currently involves resecting the tumour to remove as much of the cancer as possible and hasn’t changed much in 100 years. Using MRI hopes to see how deep the tumour is before operating. Read the full story here.
• PhD student Molly Grew has led a study which has uncovered the role stingrays play in shaping estuaries. The threatened stingrays may move more than 21,000 tonnes of sand per year, which is a similar mass to the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt. They do this by creating pits in the sand during feeding and sleeping which helps oxygen penetrate the sand, providing nutrients to organisms. Read the full story here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

• We have announced this year’s winners of the Student Competition. The winning teams were from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Atlantic Technological University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Thaksin University. You can view the winning presentations in our announcement. Read the announcement here.
• The recipients of the 2023-24 Exchange Programme have now been announced. We have awarded £2,000 to 18 recipients under a range of topics from renewable energy, gender equality, international collaboration, good health and well-being, and more. You can view all of the awarded proposals here.
• Learn more about our member, Majan University College, in the first of our Member in the Spotlight posts. View the article here.

WTUN Members ONLY:

• The WTUN will mark International Women in Engineering Day 2024 on Wednesday 26th June at 2pm (GMT +1). This year’s INWED theme is ‘Enhanced by Engineering’.  Register now to attend the live webinar.

News from our Members:

Asia:

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM enters Malaysia’s Book of Records for hosting a 24 hour lecture in Mechanical Engineering. The lecture included around 60 lectureres, and over 1,000 students tuning in worldwide. You can read the full story here and watch some 8 hours of the lecture here.

North America:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

• SAIT announces a new Campus Centre following a $30 million gift from the Taylor Family Foundation. The new Taylor Family Campus Centre will focus on student wellness and building community at the institution. Plans include wellness facilities, health clinics, conference and event space, an arena, gymnasium, running track, and fitness centre. Read the full story here.

South America:

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

• ‘Safe Care Computer Program: serious game’ has been registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property. The game belongs to UFRN and is designed to support teachers in expanding their teaching strategies on the subject of patient safety. The game provides educators and learners with the a safe, fun and immersive enviornment to expand knowledge on topics such as improving medication safety, safe surgery, and effective communication. Read the full story here.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU launches a new undergraduate degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education with three awards: BA in Outdoor Education, BA in Geography and Outdoor Education, BA in Outdoor Education with Therapeutic Applications. the programme emphasises stewardship and care for the natural world with experiential and place-based learning, and the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors. Read the full story here.
• Donegal Daily, a local newspaper, has reported on ATU’s student success in the WTUN Student Competition. ATU’s team, ‘PhosLumina’ placed second, developing a user-friendly solution to monitor orthophosphate levels in water bodies, benefitting ocean users and communities near water bodies. Read the full article here.

University of Bradford, United Kingdom

• Dr Behruz Khaghani, is spinning nano-fibres from every day kitchen spices in the biomedical and tissue engineering laboratory at the University of Bradford to create advanced wound dressings. These wound dressings have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, derived from the plant extracts used, and could be used to treat a range of conditions including diabetic ulcers. Read the full story here.
• A £125k award from the Academy of Medical Sciences to Dr Karthic Swaminathan will fund his research to gain a better understanding of the metastasis (spread) of malignant melanomas (cancers). Dr Swaminathan’s current work involves ‘tagging’ cancer cells and watching them as they spread to support the development of new treatments. Read the full story here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• The Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) is running a program which aims to move innovative technologies out of the lab and into global manufacturing. The program provides access to funding, research teams, facilities and specialist equipment and business growth advice and support. A current project with EM Energy looks at producing green hydrogen from waste. Read the full story here.
• A new study at UON looks at whether the drug azithromycin, a form of antibiotic, would put moderate to sever asthma into remission. The findings so far were ‘very promising’, and achieving remission for asthma would have huge and economic impacts, eliminating the the need for risky drugs like corticosteroids. Read the full story here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

• Reminder: The WTUN will be attending NAFSA 2024 in New Orleans. WTUN Development Manager, Denise Whitehead, will be attending from 27 – 31 May and is looking forward to meeting colleagues old and new. If you or your organisation will be there and would like to meet up to discuss opportunities for International Collaboration, please get in touch at wtun@bradford.ac.uk. 
• We are updating our Member Profiles to include details around the research focuses and strategic aims of our members, to aid colleagues in identifying themes for collaborative work. Have a look at Suranaree University of Technology‘s page as an example of the new format.

WTUN Members ONLY:

• The WTUN will mark International Women in Engineering Day 2024, as we did for 2023. This year’s INWED theme is ‘Enhanced by Engineering’. A call will be shared with members shortly to convene speakers and panellists. The proposed date is Wednesday 26th June, 2pm (GMT+1). If you would like to suggest a topic for a session or have any other ideas, please contact the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.

News from our Members:

Asia:

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, India

• HITSPitch Podcast is ‘For the students, by the students’ and discusses topical themes such as ‘Future of AI Audio’, ‘Glimpes of G20’ and Expert Talks, including one from Mr Anand Melateur, Regional Director of Boeing India. Listen to the podcast here.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand

• KMUTT students and staff plant 300 mangrove seedlings and 100 mangrove trees on the university’s campus, working to conserve and restore national resources to their full potential and balance the ecosystem. The project aims to reduce the impact of greenhouse gases and raise awareness of the importance of limited resources. Read the full story here.
• With the use of micro-nano bubbles to wash Phulae pineapples, KMUTT strives to increase the life and quality of pre-cut Phulae pineapples which are sold as ready for consumption. This project hopes to support the exportation of pineapples from Thailand; Thai canned pineapple products are number 1 in the world. It also aims to increase income for farmers in the area. Read the full story here.

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

• SIT researchers share their promising new use for origami. A self-folding origami gripper can be mounted to drones, enabling them to grasp and hold objects. The current model is light-weight, strong, and has biodegradable properties which could lead to revolutionary changes in the use of origami technology in quadcopters (low-cost drones). Read the full story here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM’s Centre for Tropical Geoengineering (GEOTROPIK) was awarded a comprehensive assessment project by SUKE Highway to address the issue of landslide risk mitigation. The investigative team is multi-disciplinary including experts in Slope Engineering, GIS, Geotechnics, and Sensory Technology. Read the full story here.

South America:

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

• Through a partnership between the dentistry and engineering courses at UFRN, researchers have developed an application to assist the diagnosis of periodontal bone loss. The disease can lead to reduced stability of teeth, loss of teeth, and affect the aesthetic of smiles and chewing functions. Early diagnosis is key to preserving oral health. Read the full story here.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU announced 60 PhD scholarships under the Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) scheme. All PhDs are funded with a fee waiver and an annual stiped of €22,000 per year over the 4-year programme. The programme also includes an internship with a related business. International students may also be eligible for a two-year post-graduate work permit to work in Ireland. Find out more here.
• ATU’s Research Project, ‘Irish Students Wellbeing and ADHD Project (I-SWAP)’ has won Best Research Project in the 2024 Education Awards in Ireland. It was awarded for recognition of its impactful contributions to student welfare. Read the full story here.

Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany

• HSHL researchers have been looking into how Augmented Reality (AR) and Assisted Reality (aR) can be used to optimise processes within industry. The project aims to simplify laboratory processes through AR data glasses or step-by-step instructions which utilise assisted reality on mobile devices. Read the full story here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany

• TU Ilmenau researchers utilise AI to precisely predict the allergenic pollen in plants. Almost a third of the world’s population suffer from pollen-related respiratory allergies and that number is continuing to rise. The interdisciplinary study of medicine, botany and data processing works to precisely predict when which pollen pollutes the air and in what concentrations, making it possible for sufferers of pollen allergies to take effective precautionary measures. Read the full story here.

University of Bradford, United Kingdom

• UOB’s School of Management is hosting the 9th Edition of the International Workshop on Sharing Economy (IWSE) series, titled, ‘The Faces of Innovation in the Sharing Economy’. The workshop is a platform for academics, practitioners, industry experts and local authorities to advance the understanding of the sharing economy phenomenon and explore cross-disciplinary collaborations in research and application. The workshop is accepting abstracts submissions until Tuesday 7th May. Find out more here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• UON has been awarded a $500,000 (AUD) grant from Cancer Australia to investigate how to improve outcomes of children diagnosed with high-risk cancers such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and aggressive brain tumours called diffuse midline gliomas (DMG). These cancers are responsible for around 30 per cent of all childhood deaths from cancer annually. Read the full story here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

• Last week, we announced that the WTUN will be attending NAFSA 2024 in New Orleans. WTUN Development Manager, Denise Whitehead, will be attending from 27 – 31 May and is looking forward to meeting colleagues old and new. If you or your organisation will be there and would like to meet up to discuss opportunities for International Collaboration, please get in touch at wtun@bradford.ac.uk. 
• We will be announcing the winners of the Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize, shortly. Keep your eyes out for the announcement!

WTUN Members ONLY:

• The WTUN hopes to mark International Women in Engineering Day 2024, as we did for 2023. This year’s INWED theme is ‘Enhanced by Engineering’. A call will be shared with members shortly to convene speakers and panellists. If you would like to suggest a topic for a session or have any other ideas, please contact the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.

News from our Members:

Asia:

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

• SIT researchers explore the growing concern around obesity and its links to memory loss. When observed in mice, obesity decreases learning ability and increases brain oxidation, but using tocotrienols as a supplement can help to prevent this decline. The researchers are calling for further investigation to understand how obesity impacts oxidative stress on the brain. Read the full story here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM discusses research-led teaching and how it aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By incorporating latest research findings, methodologies, and debates into the classroom, research-led educators ensure that students are exposed to the most up-to-date knowledge in their field of study. These students are also enabled to engage, question, and contribute to the ongoing discourse around their chosen subject. Read the full story here.

North America:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

• SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) has shared two stories on its recent work and research:
  • Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, are being used for a variety of tasks. Researchers at ARIS are uncovering new ways to utilise drones across a variety of industries. From delivering medical supplies to remote access communities to use in infrastructure inspections where human access is difficult or unsafe, drones can be used to improve safety, expand data collection and provide new perspectives. Read the full story here.
  • Researchers at ARIS have developed a new device which can bring real-time measurement to the on-shore oil market. This device, is smaller, cleaner and more efficient, and prevents the need to separate out oil, gas and water in pipes to measure their ratios. With this device, there is capacity to monitor in real-time, increase safety, reduce downtime, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Read the full story here.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU announces 60 PhD scholarships under the Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) scheme. Scholarships are available in a range of disciplines such as Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering; Audiovisual & Creative; and Renewable Energy, Climate Change Mitigation & Sustainability. All PhDs are funded with a fee waiver and an annual stiped of €22,000 per year over the 4-year programme. The programme also includes an internship with a related business. International students may also be eligible for a two-year post-graduate work permit to work in Ireland. Find out more here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany

• Researchers at TU Ilmenau are optimizing the manufacturing for chrome coatings, which could produce higher quality, more environmentally friendly and economical sanitary fittings. They have been able to achieve this by using artificial intelligence and digital tools. Read the full story here.

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Austria

• FHOO have shared with the WTUN their upcoming events and conferences which are of interest to WTUN members. You can find the full list of events here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• A team of researchers has developed a platform to define the impact of exposure to landscape fire smoke on the heart and lungs. The platform is the first of its kind in the world. Millions of people in Australia, and worldwide, are exposed to bushfire or wildfire smoke which can decrease cardiac function  and increase respiratory or cardiovascular symptoms. Read the full story here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

• We have updated the Exchange Programme Case Studies showcased on our website. The new case studies include a visit to enhance capacity to embed of entrepreneurship in curriculum and the development of a test bed for new healthcare technology. Read the cases studies here.
• To aid our members in initiating collaborations and identifying potential themes for collaborations, we have begun to develop a short profile of each of our members on our website. You can view the profiles here:
  • Atlantic Technological University, Ireland
  • Majan University College, Oman
  • National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan
  • Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
  • University of Bradford, United Kingdom

WTUN Members ONLY:

• REMINDER! The deadline for entries into the WTUN Student Competition is Thursday 11 April 2024.

News from our Members:

Africa:

Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe

• WUA, in partnership with the US Embassy Zimbabwe, hosted a leadership seminar on ‘Women Leading Globally: A Conversation About Leadership’. Watch the full seminar here.

Asia:

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand

• KMUTT is co-hosting the upcoming Workshop on Agri-PV “Technology Status and Business Opportunities” on 24 April in Bangkok, Thailand. Agri-PV allows the dual-use of farmland to improve resource efficiency, enable synergies to increase productivity of certain crops and PV panels, and protect crops against pests and climate events. Find out more about the workshop here.

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

• SIT researchers find that giving a blended antioxidant supplement to aged mice improves their cognition and memory, alongside spatial cognition and muscle durability. Antioxidants are known for reducing oxidative stress and prevent age-related health decline. The findings suggest that blended antioxidant supplements could be a promising dietary intervention for age-related health issues. Read the full story here.

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

• Professor Yun-Shang Chiou, a sustainable architect at Taiwan Tech, sits down and discusses his take on cultural preservation and revitalising rural communities to deliver sustainable architecture. Professor Chiou discusses the most pressing challenges for sustainable architecture, sharing his approach which focuses on two main components, ‘people and materials’. Read the full story here.

North America:

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

• SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) is joining NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network to provide expertise in materials science, advanced manufacturing, robotics and automation. As one of two test centres in Alberta, the initiative will provide services to support start-ups and entrepreneurs. Read the full story here.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU launches projects which turn to nature to tackle 21st century issues:
  • ATU, in partnership with Dublin City University, launches a project looking at marine microorganisms to improve health and wellbeing. The project focuses on microorganisms such as bacteria and the diverse chemicals found in plants and fungi. The marine environment and it’s pharmacological properties ‘hold immense potential to benefit human health’. Read the full story here.
  • The SCORE (Smart Control of the Climate Resilience in European Coastal Cities) Project, led by ATU, is aiming to incorporate citizen science into efforts to monitor coastal areas. Citizens can deposit ‘Smart Pebbles’ on beaches which will be 3D scanned and tracked over time to monitor shoreline variations and beach morphology. Read the full story here.
• ATU launches a free course aimed at the construction industry providing an introduction to lean construction principles, a basic understanding of the methodologies and best practices to improve efficiency, reduce waste and boost productivity in construction projects. The program includes modules such as ‘Construction Waste’ and ‘Lean Management’ and include formats such as video lectures, industry-based interviews and quizzes. Read the full story here.

University of Bradford, United Kingdom

• UOB is hosting an ‘AI Industry Forum’ on Friday 17 May. This year’s theme for the forum is ‘Frontiers of AI Applications’ and will cover three themes; AI for Sustainability & Communities; AI for Innovation; AI & Ethics. The forum is open to national and international partners of the university, local authorities, SMEs and alumni. Find out more here.
• UOB academic, Dr Colins Imoh, visits Atlantic Technological University. During this visit Dr Imoh gave a public lecture to ATU students and developed next steps to work on a collaborative research project with ATU researchers. Read the full story here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• UON’s ‘The Minds Changing Lives’ podcast covers the breakthroughs and research from UON academics. Episodes include insight into the resilience-building research and technology that works to combat drought and the pioneering work happening at UON to advance gynaecological cancer research and improve the prognosis for ovarian cancer. Find out more about the podcast here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk

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

WTUN News:

WTUN Members ONLY:

• REMINDER! The deadline for entries into the WTUN Student Competition is Thursday 11 April 2024.

News from our Members:

Africa:

Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe

• Professor Sunungurai Dominica Chingarande, Vice-Chancellor at Women’s University in Africa, spoke at an International Women’s Day 2024 event and outlined that despite efforts to invest in women in higher education within Africa, the statistics show that a gap in gender parity still exists. Professor Chingarande spoke to University World News to discuss strategies to support women in academia and what investing in women means to her. Read the full story here.

Asia:

Ahlia University, Bahrain

• Academic staff at Ahlia University engaged in a debate on “AI Will Replace Humans”, held at the 7th Equal Opportunity Conference attended by leaders, academics and industry experts. The debate concluded with strong opposition from the audience with 64% voting against the idea of AI replacing humans. Read the full story here.
• Ahlia University opens a call for papers for the International Conference on Global Economic Revolutions: The Era of the Digital Economy (ICGER). The conference is organised by Ahlia University, and will be held 1-3 October in a hybrid manner. Submissions on the following topics are encouraged; Artificial Intelligence, Business Innovation & Economic Diversification; Artificial Intelligence, Big Data & the Digital Divide; Business Resilience, Circular Economy & Sustainability Governance; Digital Social Equality, Industry 5.0, Society 5.0. Read the full story here.

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

• SIT held the 18th South East Asian Technical University Consortium Symposium (SEATUC2024). The event was attended by fellow WTUN members; King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Suranaree University of Technology and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Students at member institutions engaged in technical and innovative sessions for an active exchange of information, followed by a discussion on the theme “Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Green Transformation and Digital Transformation Era”. Read the full story here.
• Researchers at SIT present findings on their works:
  • Professor Yuki Oyama from the Department of Civil Engineering presents the ‘Global Local Path Choice’ Model, which is a new method to understand the walkability of cities. Dr Oyama’s innovative model emphasises the influence of visual attributes on the local adaptations of path choices from pedestrians.Read the full story here.
  • Professor Naomi Osakabe and Dr Yasuyuki Fujii share their work on ‘Deciphering the Role of Bitter and Astringent Polyphenols in Promoting Well-Being’. Their work looks at polyphenols, abundant in fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee, and how the mechanisms behind their beneficial health benefits work and interact with human sensory receptors. Read the full story here.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

• UTM researchers present their stance on best principles and guidance for water management across borders and continental regions. Malaysia, as a nation, is focussing on leveraging water for peace, whilst also engaging in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which works toward peaceful water-sharing across the region. Read here for Malaysia’s perspective on water resource sharing and here for more on the ASEAN cooperation for water management.
• Noting that bridges are increasingly susceptible to structural failures due to natural disasters, UTM hosted a training session with industry engineers on effective structural health monitoring, for guidance on maintaining bridges in a serviceable state. Read the full story here.
• UTM launches pathways for working adults to access higher education. The initiative will recognise work experience and support transitions for professionals aspiring to pursue master and doctoral degrees. Read the full story here.

Europe:

Atlantic Technological University, Ireland

• ATU has secured Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) funding to research energy efficiency in Traveller communities. The project aims to research and demonstrate societal, economic, political and technological factors affecting the implementation of energy efficiency measures in Traveller communities. Read the full story here.
• ATU, in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, is working to revolutionise energy production by developing low-cost materials to facilitate commercial hydrogen production from renewable sources. Read the full story here.

University of Bradford, United Kingdom

• UOB ‘s Digital Health Enterprise Zone benefits from national funding to develop its work supporting business growth, knowledge and skills development by connecting with academics, researchers and health and social care partners. The use of its Technology House, a dedicated simulation space, also contributes to the training of future healthcare professionals. Read the full story here.
• Trials for a new breast cancer test are taking place at the University’s Institute of Cancer Therapeutics. The test, Ran Diagnostics, is undergoing trials to test its efficacy in practice, outside of clinical studies. If successful, the test will help to cut on costs and personalise cancer treatment for patients by predicting those at risk of their cancer spreading through a quick and accurate test. Read the full story here.

Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany

• TU Ilmenau are participating in a project that develops new courses on sustainability topics and provides support for lecturers to implement the sustainability goals in their teaching within Engineering. Read the full story here.

Australia

University of Newcastle, Australia

• UON welcomes their new Chancellor, The Hon. Patricia Forsythe with an Investiture Ceremony. Chancellor Forsythe is an alumna of the University and is passionate about equity and the belief that education can transform lives. Read the full story here.
• UON’s ‘Field Epidemoiology in Action’ programme has been awarded $7.5M AUD in funding. The program works to improve health by training local health professionals in the Pacific how to investigate and respond rapidly to health threats. Read the full story here.

To discuss joining the Network please contact the WTUN Development Manager
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk