Royal Agricultural University and Royal Veterinary College form strategic collaboration
Partnership aims to tackle global challenges through research and education
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance their research and transnational education capabilities.
With a shared legacy of over 400 years in teaching and research, the two universities plan to leverage their combined expertise to address critical global issues.
RAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter McCaffery highlighted the significance of this partnership for both institutions.
"This partnership is a significant milestone for our two institutions," Professor McCaffery said.
"As two fiercely independent specialist universities, our collaboration will serve as an exemplar of Higher Education partnership, in line with the Government’s expectations in its Post-16 Education and Skills White paper."
Professor Stuart Reid CBE, RVC President & Principal, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.
"We are delighted to be embarking on new collaborations with our colleagues at the RAU," Professor Reid said.
"The strategic partnership aims to develop and deliver impactful joint education, training, research, and knowledge exchange both at home and internationally."
This collaboration will focus on expanding research in areas such as antimicrobial resistance, biodiversity loss, and global food security, supported by national Governments and industry partners.
The universities' combined expertise in technology, nature-based solutions, and policy innovations will be pivotal in tackling these global challenges.
Senior staff from the RVC recently visited RAU to formalize the partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Professor McCaffery noted the importance of collaborations like theirs in light of international agreements.
"Last November, both the UK and China Governments agreed that agriculture and food research was one of four important shared priorities, so research partnerships between UK and China will be an important focus of our collaboration," he added.