University of Alberta’s Global Collaborations: A Focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
The University of Alberta (U of A) is at the forefront of international academic collaboration, partnering with leading institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Key partnerships include esteemed universities such as RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Université Grenoble Alpes in France, the Aga Khan University, and the University of Ghana.
U of A’s commitment to research and innovation extends beyond academia, engaging with prominent research funding agencies like the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The university collaborates with various embassies and consulates from these regions to showcase its extensive research and academic initiatives.
Among its notable institutions, U of A houses the Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies and the Canadian Institute for Ukrainian Studies (CIUS). These institutes play a key role in promoting cultural and educational exchanges.
Partnerships in Europe
Since 2007, U of A has hosted the Humboldt Foundation Liaison Office in Canada (HFLOC), which facilitates academic opportunities for Canadian professors. Additionally, the university has launched study abroad programs such as the U of A e3 Berlin and U of A e3 French-Alps, combining language instruction, internships, and academic courses.
U of A’s academic portfolio features various joint and dual degree programs with European institutions. Collaborations include partnerships in arts and science with Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, engineering with Université de Lorraine, and numerous specialized programs with institutions in Germany and other European nations.
Engagement in the Middle East
The University of Alberta welcomes a diverse cohort of international students from the Middle East, with Iran being a significant source of graduate students. Through the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities, the Chair in Islamic Studies awards the annual State of Kuwait Graduate Award in Islamic Studies, aimed at supporting research focused on various socio-cultural and political issues within the Muslim context.
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences engages with numerous universities and institutions throughout the Middle East, offering collaborative opportunities in program development and research initiatives.
Affiliations Across Africa
In Africa, U of A engages in scholarship and development opportunities with various institutions. Notably, in 2016, the Faculty of Nursing secured a Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) grant in partnership with the University of Ghana to foster connections among young researchers. This initiative aims to build a global community of nurse scholars.
Another significant project funded by the QES, initiated in December 2020, focuses on providing interdisciplinary mentorship and leadership training for West African scholars, especially women, enhancing their skills and networks. This initiative includes collaboration with various U of A faculties and partners from multiple West African universities, including University of Ghana and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Furthermore, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry has led a project in Ethiopia, focusing on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, significantly reducing maternal and perinatal mortality. Supported by Global Affairs Canada with a financial backing of $4.4 million, this initiative aims to expand reliable birthing services.
Similarly, the Faculty of Education has undertaken a project, “Capacity Development for Mathematics Teaching in Rural and Remote Communities in Tanzania,” backed by a $3.2 million fund from Global Affairs Canada. This collaboration with the University of Dodoma and Aga Khan University East Africa emphasizes improving mathematics education in underserved regions.
