The presidents of UNSW, King’s College London and Arizona State University have told the launch of the PLuS Alliance in London that universities have a responsibility to work together to help solve global challenges.
Denise Knight
UNSW Media Office
0405 207 685
d.knight@unsw.edu.au
The presidents of UNSW, King’s College London and Arizona State University have told the launch of the PLuS Alliance that universities have a responsibility to work together to help solve global challenges.
Welcoming guests to the event at Bush House in London, President and Principal of King’s, Professor Ed Byrne AC said: “King’s is committed to working with UNSW and ASU, to align our cultures and ambitions to make an impact on challenges the world faces today. We want to look at the big questions, understand what can be achieved and focus our attention on working collaboratively to make a difference."
Combining the cutting-edge research capabilities and innovative education approach of three universities in different parts of the world, the PLuS Alliance will undertake cross-border research collaborations to address significant issues related to health, social justice, sustainability and innovation.
With scale and expertise we are determined to bring about change - Ian Jacobs
More than 60 inaugural PLuS Alliance Fellows from across the three universities were announced at the launch, with 20 from UNSW.
“Working in partnership, we have a combined body of over 15,000 staff, 150,000 students and over $1 billion research spends. With scale and expertise we are determined to bring about change,” said UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs.
PLuS Alliance launch at Bush House in London
Dr Michael Crow, President of ASU, said universities need to think differently if they are to truly understand the needs of a world that will go from seven to 10 billion people in the next few decades. “The PLuS Alliance will deliver an exceptional international learning experience that creates impactful solutions for a sustainable future.”
The high-profile event saw former BBC World Affairs Correspondent Emily Buchanan chair discussions from a number of newly appointed PLuS Alliance Fellows, who announced plans for the first joint research initiatives, which will have four main areas of focus: Environmental sustainability; informed urbanisation; social and distributed justice; and global health and well-being.
Professor Bill Randolph, Director of the UNSW City Futures Research Centre, said: “We will be drawing on expertise to address issues in a multi-disciplinary approach.”
Twenty programs will be available from September 2016 and degrees to be offered through PLuS Alliance universities will initially include:
• BA/BS in: Sustainability, Global health, Community Health, Whole Person Care, Business & Global Logistics Management • Masters in: Science of Healthcare Delivery, Infectious Diseases Intelligence & Sustainability Leadership
For more information about the PLuS Alliance, visit the website.