Enhancing our research partnerships with New Zealand

During the visit, the High Commissioner met our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Development and Business Engagement), Professor Kieran Fernandes, as well as academic colleagues from our Durham University Space Research Centre, Durham Energy Institute, Institute for Hazard, Risk and Resilience and the Durham Centre for Crop Improvement Technology.  

The High Commissioner also had lunch with our New Zealand students and staff.  

A long and proud history of research collaboration 

We have a long and proud history of engagement with all eight universities in New Zealand underpinned by research collaborations to address global challenges such as climate change and clean energy, disaster management, space technologies and emerging technologies.  

Following the UK and New Zealand’s association to Horizon Europe and the 2023 UK and New Zealand Science Agreement, the visit by the New Zealand High Commissioner provided further opportunities to explore and strengthen our research collaborations.  

Educational links with New Zealand 

The High Commissioner’s visit also coincided with the visit by Jason Cushen, International Office Director of the University of Otago – a fellow member of the Matariki Network of Universities with whom we have a a student exchange agreement and research collaborations. Durham’s relationship with Otago goes back to the early 20th century through a formal association with Selwyn College, the oldest of Otago’s residential colleges.  

A globally connected University 

Durham University is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people in a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We work in partnership with research institutions around the world, to share and grow global knowledge.

Find out more

• Visit our Study With Us and our World-wide Research and Partnerships pages to find out more about life at Durham. 
• Our Durham University Space Research Centre is linked to world-leading research, impactful partnerships, and industry-relevant training to ensure we have a sustainable future in space. 
• Durham Energy Institute is a leading centre for energy research, bringing together experts from various disciplines to tackle some of the most pressing energy challenges of our time. 
• Our Institute for Hazard, Risk and Resilience is a world leading-research institute supporting innovative research and training for use in policy and practice.  
• The Durham Centre for Crop Improvement Technology focuses on developing state of the art technologies for crop improvement and protection.  
• Durham is a founder member of the Matariki Network of Universities and collaborates with leading universities including the University of Otago in New Zealand to advance learning, research, and student experience. 
• UK and New Zealand Science Agreement