Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT ) has signed a memorandum of understanding with strategic partners Dublin City University (DCU ), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT ), and Maynooth University.
This new agreement commits the partners to collaboration in three key areas: shared academic planning process; a regional approach to transfer and progression; and a shared approach to enterprise and community engagement. Creation of this cluster is in line with the HEA’s 'Towards a Future' report, which sets out a vision for the higher education landscape in Ireland.
The four parties to the agreement have distinctive yet complementary visions for higher education across the region. Each organisation will continue to function independently, but will collaborate on activities that are mutually beneficial to help them achieve national educational objectives.
President of AIT Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, explained: “Each of our organisations have clearly demonstrated a leadership role in our local environments. Maynooth University and AIT already have a shared history of successful collaboration on bi-lateral projects, as have DCU and DkIT. This next step, in formalising collaborative efforts between all four parties, will strengthen the educational offering to students across the Midlands-East and Dublin North region.”
The arrangement will allow each institution to work together on issues including developing PhDs, staff upskilling, and providing a greater variety of choice for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
