Strengthening Academic Ties: France and New Zealand Universities Renew Cooperation Agreement

 

In an important move to deepen research collaborations between French and New Zealand universities, France Universités and Universities New Zealand - Te Pōkai Tara have renewed their agreement to promote comprehensive cooperation between universities in both countries. 

Originally signed in Paris in 1977, the agreement was recently renewed at a special event hosted by the French Ambassador to New Zealand Laurence Beau and signed by UNZ Chief Executive Chris Whelan and the President of Université de la Nouvelle Calédonie Dr Catherin Ris (pictured above).

The agreement outlines a shared vision to foster strategic partnerships across the full spectrum of higher education, research, and innovation activities.

Amongst its key objectives is to support the development of joint research programmes and facilitate access to funding opportunities. It also encourages the mobility of students, researchers, and staff between France and New Zealand, and the establishment of joint degree programmes, co-supervision of PhD students, and other collaborative educational initiatives.

“Today’s signing represents an important milestone in the longstanding academic relationship between France and New Zealand,” said Chris Whelan. “By aligning our strengths and resources, we will be able to create new avenues for collaboration that benefit students, researchers, and institutions in both countries.”

The agreement is further strengthened by the opportunities available to New Zealand researchers through our association with Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

For more information, contact comms@universitiesnz.ac.nz or +64 27 636 5050