Greater global visibility

Internationalisation is one of the University’s four strategic principles. It focuses on delivering across global markets and building strong partnerships with other leading universities.

Southampton Connects talks to Professor Colin Grant, our Vice-President (International), about his new role and his vision for the University.

What experience do you bring from your previous role?

My previous role was inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Bath. I led the strategy delivery for international research, staff and student mobility (ie engagement with international partners in the UK and overseas), recruitment at all levels and profile. I also led direct partnerships with key institutional and high-value discipline partners such as Stellenbosch University, State University of Campinas, Zhejiang University and Yonsei University. I also led partnerships with governments in Peru, Malaysia and South Africa to build excellence in higher education systems in such areas as advanced training at doctoral level for future university leaders.

While at Bath, I also devised a strategy to build resilience of people and systems in Jordan (a policy collaboration with the Amman-based British Institute, doctoral training in computer science with Princess Sumaya University of Technology and joint research in water with the Jordanian Royal Society. I have led Universities UK delegations to Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. These delegations, typically 15 senior colleagues from across the UK, engaged with leading universities, businesses and government agencies to drive long-term collaboration.

How important is it for Southampton to have a robust and forward-thinking international strategy?

Excellence is defined against international benchmarks. As a major powerhouse we need to be operating in fast-moving contexts and at a world-leading level. The new strategy will make us stronger together in everything we do.

How will our competitors and the higher education sector view the University of Southampton in 10 years’ time in terms of our international partnerships and reputation?

 I hope with envy!

What are the important factors to think about when developing strategic international relationships?

Resilience, engagement and stamina. Creating meaningful partnerships between complex organisations requires a lot of trust-building and we have good experience in our relationships with Xiamen University in China and the Worldwide Universities Network, for example to build upon. This means bringing communities together and providing the support that will make things happen. Results rarely happen overnight and there is a real sense of urgency to what we are doing as a University. However, we need to prepare for long-term commitments.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role?

I am really looking forward to engaging and supporting the very large community at Southampton and overseas. We are a powerhouse across a very wide range of fantastic disciplines. In my mind, a powerhouse means excellence in depth and range, but also in scale.

These qualities deserve greater global visibility. This means that strong engagement with the student community at all levels and the research community in all disciplines will be vital. And the same applies to our alumni, industry and government contacts around the world.

What areas of the world should the University of Southampton be looking to develop strategic partnerships in and why?

This is an understandable question, but actually tricky to answer by specific country. We already have great links in Asia and through the Worldwide Universities Network, and colleagues engage strongly with partner universities in Mexico, Africa and MENA (Middle East and Africa universities). I personally feel that an international strategy needs strong global reach, but that requires selection. The selection for me is guided by impacts – academic, economic, cultural or social.

How important to the University is our network of international alumni that spans the globe?

Short answer: very. Without their engagement our mission will be impossible.

What part can our international alumni play in helping to deliver an international strategy?

They can engage in so many ways: by supporting us by word of mouth, by attending events, by mentoring, by providing access to their networks and by keeping in touch. They are our global family and I can’t wait to meet them.

If you do want to get involved, there is a number of ways you can do so:

– Help us find a cure for cancer through our campaign for the Centre for Cancer Immunology.

– Inspire present and future students through our volunteering opportunities.

– Support our students by giving to one of our strategic funds

– Tell us how your career and life have developed since leaving the University by filling in one of our student profiles

– Or simply contact us by visiting our website emailing the alumni team at alumni@southampton.ac.uk

We always love to hear what you are up to so please do not hesitate to get in touch.