Join us on 29 April 2021 for ‘Voices of the Blue Charter’, a unique showcase event where talented researchers will present their innovative work on marine plastics to a diverse international audience. Their presentations will cover a range of topical issues in the field, such as the impacts of plastic pollution in supply chains, community-based mitigation strategies, behavioural change, and alternative applications of waste materials. The event is free and open for all ACU members to attend. It is an excellent opportunity for students, academics, and those passionate about ocean conservation to engage with emerging research leaders, gain fresh insights into knowledge exchange activities, and discover the latest research driving the fight against marine plastics pollution. 

The deadline to take part in the Second IAU Global Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education is fast approaching! The survey aims not only to monitor the impact of the pandemic on higher education around the world, but also to gain insight about responses to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. By taking part, you will be able to share how your university has been affected by the pandemic, how it has responded, and the key challenges and opportunities for the future. Download and read the official survey invitation.

We are delighted to announce that applications for the ACU Summer School 2021 are now open for post-graduates or final year undergraduates at ACU member universities. Taking place from 2-13 August, this two-week event will explore the theme 'Urban disasters: Vulnerability and resilience in a pandemic' with Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India. This is a great opportunity for students to network, take part in challenging group work and learn about the history and culture of Mumbai.

Deadline: 14 April at 16:00 (UTC + 1)

This online conference, organised by Universities UK, will take place from 13-14 April. Bringing together hundreds of higher education professionals, the event will be useful for staff with responsibility for developing international strategies across student recruitment, transnational education, research, and mobility. ACU Secretary General Dr Joanna Newman will join as a speaker in the session ‘Building back stronger: How can the UK support post-pandemic higher education reform in low-income countries?’. Our Interim Head of Membership, Matthew Hornshaw, will chair a session titled ‘2020-21: the year of virtual mobility?’. This panel will feature two case studies presented by ACU members Coventry University, UK and Durban University of Technology, South Africa providing an overview of the evidence on international student experience and practical tools for building equitable virtual learning partnerships.

The ACU, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), and the International Association of Universities (IAU) are working in partnership to advocate for higher education and its role in sustainable development. We will be delivering a joint session on ‘Championing higher education for sustainable development: A pivotal year for higher education and Agenda 2030’ at this year’s THE Impact and Innovation Summit, exploring why 2021 is such a critical year for higher education globally, highlighting key risks and opportunities for the sector, and how the ACU, AUF and IAU are working together with member universities to support higher education for sustainable development.

Event date: 20 April at 16:00 (UTC +1)

We have two live opportunities for ACU members to get involved with the training and research-to-action components of the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort. Organised in partnership with the British Council, the Cohort convenes 26 rising-star researchers from 16 countries to bring multidisciplinary knowledge to a global stage and influence on issues related to climate and environment in the run-up to COP26. The below opportunities offer member universities the chance to engage with emerging research leaders in the sector, and support initiatives bridging the evidence-to-policy gap in a vital sector.

In Glasgow this November, one message will take centre stage at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26): to safeguard our planet, we must work together across borders, industries, and academic disciplines.To accelerate knowledge transfer across the Commonwealth, the ACU and the British Council have partnered to establish the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort, supporting 26 rising-star researchers from 16 countries to bring their expertise to a global stage.