What You Need to Know
The University of Mauritius and the University of Pretoria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance academic collaboration in health sciences. This partnership aims to foster international cooperation, share resources, and advance research that benefits communities. The initiative aligns with Mauritius’ goal of attracting global academic institutions.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming to pursue academic excellence between the University of Mauritius (UoM) and the University of Pretoria (UoP), through training, research and academic programmes, was signed yesterday, in Reduit.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the UoP and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the UoM, are signing this MoU to foster international cooperation, develop and nurture new partnerships and to share human and material resources.
Present on the occasion, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, stated that the MoU establishes a partnership designed to make a direct difference in the field of health sciences and research. He highlighted that this collaboration will contribute to advance research that matters and serves communities through knowledge and innovation.
Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon recalled that this initiative aligns with the Government’s goal of attracting established universities and research institutions to Mauritius. He welcomed UoP’s decision to focus initially on health science research, noting that it will yield tangible benefits for both the country and the region.
He added that Mauritius stands ready to partner on joint research, joint supervision and joint programmes. Furthermore, the Minister invited international institutions to conduct research in Mauritius, emphasizing that the country’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity makes it a unique laboratory.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Francis Petersen, underpinned the commitment of his institution to advancing knowledge for the betterment of the society and the world. The partnership, he said, is grounded in the principles of excellence, respect, good faith, integrity and transparency.
He further expressed conviction that both parties can collaborate across borders to innovate, address unique challenges, and advance research and development in health and sciences.
About the Mou
The MoU between the UoM and the UoP endeavours to:
· Promote international understanding and contribution to the pool of global knowledge and advancing the development of both countries;
· Promoting inter-institutional cooperation, scientific and cultural exchange;and
· Generating reciprocal and sustainable educational benefit for both Parties within a framework of openness, integrity and respect for human dignity.
The University of Mauritius, established in 1965, has been a key player in higher education in the region, focusing on various disciplines including health sciences. The University of Pretoria, founded in 1908, is one of South Africa’s leading research universities, known for its contributions to health and medical research. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing educational and research capabilities in both institutions, reflecting a growing trend of international partnerships in academia.
