SETU was delighted to welcome His Excellency David Gill, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ireland, to its Cork Road Campus in Waterford.
The Ambassador was welcomed by Dr Don O’Neill, Vice President for Global Partnerships, and Sinead Day, International Affairs Manager, together with colleagues from across the University and German Erasmus students currently studying at SETU.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the impressive breadth of SETU’s engagement with Germany across teaching and learning, research and student mobility. SETU currently has links with 36 German higher education partners, supporting extensive student and staff mobility as well as academic and research collaboration.
Colleagues highlighted initiatives spanning entrepreneurship and research, the Walton Institute, Languages, Business, Health Sciences, Engineering and the Built Environment, and Early Childhood Studies. These include a double degree with Munich University of Applied Sciences in the area of Business, research collaboration with German universities and industrial partners, and international student projects and exchanges.
The Ambassador also heard about SETU’s participation in the EU-CONEXUS European University alliance alongside German partner, the University of Rostock, encompassing joint education, research, mobility and student engagement.
A particular highlight was the Ambassador’s meeting with German Erasmus students, who spoke warmly about their experiences at SETU and the welcome and support they have received during their time in Waterford.
Ambassador Gill commented positively on the breadth of SETU’s connections with Germany and welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the University’s research and academic partnerships.
The visit concluded with a discussion on opportunities to further strengthen SETU’s links with Germany, reflecting the University’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships and creating opportunities for students and staff through European and global engagement.