Can we feed the growing world? The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Annual Summer School, held at The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC), posed this very question to 36 students from 19 Commonwealth countries.
The ACU—the world’s oldest university network—holds an annual summer residential school that brings together students high calibre students from around the network to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. Over 700 applications were received with 36 students from a variety of disciplines, including social science, agriculture, bioscience and business, selected to receive scholarships to travel to Malaysia in August 2014 to attend this programme.
UNMC was selected by ACU an ideal host for this event, given the presence of the Crops for the Future Research Centre, a global research centre with a focus on food security and the diversity of food and approaches to food production in Malaysia.
“Every aspect of the programme was focussed on the issue of global food security, from the keynote talks on gender equality, climate change, food policy and safety; the site visits to the Crops for the Future Research Centre, Kuala Selangor Homestay and the historic town of Malacca; to the meals themselves which showcased local approaches to sustainable food production and consumption," said Dr Christopher Hill, Director Research Training and Academic Development, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.
“Our approach to the summer school is unique as it is a multidisciplinary approach to global issues,” said Joyce Achampong, Director of External Engagement at the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
“Students that may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel outside of their regions are given the opportunity to interact, engage and discuss with delegates and faculty. Research funding is increasingly given on the basis of multiple-authored activities and students need to make these connections,” Achampong said.
The week-long event demonstrated the true potential of bringing together motivated and engaged students, many of whom had never before travelled outside of their home country, to share experiences, explore different approaches and build new friendships. Students were placed in groups and given the challenge of coming up with a practical solution to a real problem associated with global food security. By the end of the week, the groups had designed and presented a poster outlining challenges such as food production, supply chain management and sustainability. For many of the students, this was the first time working in such a diverse environment and presenting in this manner.
“ACU summer schools provide a unique learning and mobility opportunity for students who have not had the opportunity to travel outside of their home countries. It was a great honour to have partnered with the ACU to provide a platform for students from commonwealth countries to visit a global British university in Malaysia, to be learn from the research we do around food security and to enjoy what is probably a once in a lifetime experience.
Our internationally recognised research in food security at both the UK and Malaysia campuses is a prime example of the way in which University expertise is being leveraged to address genuinely global challenges,” said Professor Christine Ennew, CEO and Provost of The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus.
The Summer School was an enormous success as not only did it encourage and support student mobility; it provided key skill development opportunities, diverse and interesting visits and possible solutions to a very real global challenge today.
“What a spectacular week it’s been. A lot of firsts and definitely not any lasts. I had the privilege of interacting with so many people from diverse backgrounds, countries, ideas – only to believe in expanding my own horizons. I have learned a lot from all of you and intend to carry it further, wherever I go,” said Shomira Sanyal, a 20 year old participant from India.
About The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
The ACU is the world's first and oldest international university network, established in the UK in 1913. A UK-registered charity, the ACU has over 500 member institutions in developed and developing countries across the Commonwealth. Drawing on the collective experience and expertise of its membership, the ACU seeks to address issues in international higher education through a range of projects, networks, and events.
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More information is available from Dr Christopher Hill, christopher.hill@nottingham.edu.my or Josephine Dionisappu, PR & Communications Manager on +6 (03)8924 8746, josephine.dionisappu@nottingham.edu.my.
Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham has 43,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university,with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also the most popular university among graduate employers, the world’s greenest university, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the World's Top 75 universities by the QS World University Rankings.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future.
Posted on 17th September 2014