Visit Stellenbosch University: collaboration is key

Cooperation proved to be the key word during Stellenbosch University's visit to the University of Groningen. During the visit, which took place last week, ties were strengthened and plans were made for the future. On Wednesday, a meeting with external partners was scheduled at the Energy Academy Europe, which was also attended by the Jantina Tammes School and the Wubbo Ockels School .

The meeting at Zernike Campus began with a speech by University President Jouke de Vries. According to him, the current times call for a 'new' university. Cooperation with the outside world is central to this. De Vries pointed out the importance of transdisciplinary cooperation within the so-called 'triple helix', i.e. cooperation between universities and knowledge institutions, the business community and the government. Hence the meeting at the Energy Academy Europe with various external partners. Three themes took centre stage: energy transition, digital transformation and biomedical solutions.

In his speech, the university President also stressed the importance of international cooperation. Although the current political climate is unfavourable, the university continues to cooperate with international partners including Stellenbosch, De Vries said. Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-president of the South African university, also underlined the importance of cooperation between Stellenbosch and the RUG. Not coincidentally, the South African university travelled to Groningen with a large delegation. Since 2020, the two universities have had a so-called 'strategic partnership'.

Following this, Rector Jacquelien Scherpen gave a short lecture on her work as an applied mathematician. Her area of expertise, 'control engineering', ties in closely with the themes of energy transition and digital transformation. She stressed the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation. Technological innovation is necessary, but people must be willing to use it in their daily lives. This requires knowledge of and cooperation between different disciplines, the rector stated. An example is the interplay between digitisation and sustainability, or the 'twin transition', a theme on which the Jantina Tammes School and Wubbo Ockels School collaborate.

Cooperation 'expanded considerably'

The speeches were followed by breakout sessions with 17 external partners on the three aforementioned themes, followed by dinner at the Energy Academy. Anita Veltmaat, Senior Policy Advisor International Strategy & Relations, signed for the organisation of the Stellenbosch visit. According to her, the week was meant to evaluate the current cooperation and take further steps in the strategic partnership. 'We want to see where we are now. In addition, we are exploring possible extensions of the partnership.'

According to Veltmaat, opportunities were explored during 'academic matchmaking' sessions. The number of joint PhDs will be 'considerably expanded' in the future, says Veltmaat. Cooperation on publications and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will also be strengthened. 'Already, there are over two hundred researchers working together and new names are constantly being added.'

Diverse programme

During the week, the Stellenbosch delegation visited, among other places, the House of Connections in the city centre of Groningen, which houses the Schools for Science & Society. Stellenbosch has two similar Schools in the fields of AI and energy. According to Veltmaat, the South African delegation was enthusiastic about the location on the Grote Markt. 'They were very excited that the university has a place where people can meet.'

The faculties and various services were also visited by the Stellenbosch delegation. The week ended with an informal visit to Anloo, where Veltmaat and her partner Prof Robert Lensink (RUG academic ambassador for the Stellenbosch-Groningen strategic partnership) had opened their home to the South African visit.