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Swiss Higher Education Delegation Explores Partnership Opportunities and Research at Virginia Tech

A higher education delegation from Switzerland recently visited the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington to explore partnership opportunities and potential research collaborations. The group comprised 16 faculty members and administrators from 12 Swiss institutions who interacted with Virginia Tech faculty, program leaders, and deans to exchange ideas and insights.

Understanding U.S. Research Partnerships

The delegation aimed to gain an understanding of how U.S. universities establish and manage research partnerships with industry and government entities, focusing on laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Aimeé Surprenant, Dean of the Graduate School at Virginia Tech, indicated that the visit reflects the enduring relationship between Virginia Tech and Swiss higher education institutions, which has been supported by the Steger Center for International Research and the Global Perspectives Program.

Enhancing Collaborations

The visit is considered a means to enhance the existing relationship and create sustained collaborations centered on research and scholarship. The Swiss delegation’s East Coast tour included stops in Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, North Carolina’s Research Triangle, and Savannah, Georgia. Participants came from a variety of disciplines, including theatre arts, business, technology, engineering, social work, and medicine, as part of an academic leadership training program organized by Swiss Higher Education Management.

Focused Observations

Hartmut Wickert, the tour organizer, expressed a focus on observing the contributions of American universities to the economy, society, and politics. Barbara Hoopes, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, coordinated the visit and facilitated discussions among a diverse group of Virginia Tech faculty who presented their research and experiences. Topics covered included graduate education, educational networks, public health research, drone testing, and hospitality curriculum development, highlighting collaborative efforts between Virginia Tech and Swiss institutions.

Interactive Discussions and Visits

Participants engaged in interactive discussions focused on educational innovation and partnerships with public organizations and industries. The delegation also visited the Innovation Campus, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, and the Center for Power Electronics Systems to conclude their activities. Catherine Sokoloff, leader of the Swiss Higher Education Management tour group, acknowledged the visit’s productive interactions, which created potential connections between the two educational communities. Hoopes noted that the informal nature of the event allowed for more in-depth engagement compared to typical formal lectures during campus visits.

(Source: Virginia Tech News)

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