St Andrews strengthens its links with Bonn

While the UK wrestles with the vexed question of Brexit, the University of St Andrews is cementing a relationship with one of Europe’s great universities.

This week a 22-strong delegation from the University of Bonn has been in St Andrews developing joint study and research programmes and work shadowing opportunities for professional staff.

St Andrews Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations), Professor Brad MacKay, said: “In December last year we signed a memorandum of understanding with Bonn and we are delighted to welcome our colleagues from Bonn to St Andrews this week.

“The visit is another important step in our commitment to a continual exchange of people and ideas between our two institutions and between Scotland and Europe.

“Our University Strategy is founded on the unshakeable truth that St Andrews has always been outward looking, and European, and we will go on being so. This is a message that we have been communicating to our European partners, and the visit from Bonn this week is evidence that it is a message that is being reciprocated.”

Rector of the University of Bonn, Professor Dr HC Michael Hoch, said: “We have come to St Andrews because we want to vivify our strategic partnership and create new links at all levels. Our vision is a strong Bonn-St Andrews partnership as part of a worldwide network of excellent universities.

“The timing for this venture is ideal: the University of Bonn has just repositioned itself, created transdisciplinary research areas and achieved the status of a University of Excellence. I look forward to our intensive cooperation at all levels!”