York University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Geography at Adama's University in Kolkata, India, to advance their shared leadership in the field of geography.
The MOU, signed by David Peters, York University's interim provost and vice-president academic, outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration with Adamas University's Department of Geography and York's Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change (EUC).
The focus areas of the MOU itself includes: the exchange of undergraduate and graduate students; mobility of faculty members and researchers; cooperative research, project and course development; joint teaching or supervision of graduate students; joint seminars, conferences and academic meetings; and the exchange of scientific and information materials. The development of other experiential education abroad programs, including short-term summer abroad and field study programs, is also part of the agreement.
Alice Hovorka
Alice Hovorka, the EUC dean and a chief architect behind the MOU, is enthusiastic about the new partnership. "As part of EUC's global engagement strategy, we are excited to extend our collaborations to colleagues at Adamas Geography," says Hovorka. "Our respective strengths in global geography and geomatics will offer students and faculty from both institutions enhanced opportunities for research and training."
The MOU will see York University further solidify its leadership in geography, exemplified by it recently being ranked in top 5 in the subject within Canada by the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
The memorandum is also the latest to build on York's ongoing priority in advancing its Engaging the World: York University's Internationalization and Global Engagement Strategy, 2022-2027, to bring greater focus, cooperation and prioritization to the University's internationalization efforts as highlighted in the University Academic Plan 2020-2025.
In particular, the partnership with Adamas is the latest signed with an academic institution in India since a York leadership delegation travelled to the country in 2023. At that time, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton stressed the importance of collaborations with institutions there. "Our partnerships in India are very important to us, and we were eager to explore how we can continue to support access, excellence, connectedness and impact in higher education through enhanced collaboration," Lenton said.
With the MOU signed between Adamas and York, both institutions will explore opportunities for cooperation, initiating efforts towards a more interconnected and globally engaged academic community.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
