{"id":108559,"date":"2026-03-24T11:21:45","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T15:21:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/?p=108559"},"modified":"2026-03-24T16:44:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T20:44:11","slug":"u-k-visit-strengthens-key-strategic-partnerships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/2026\/03\/u-k-visit-strengthens-key-strategic-partnerships\/","title":{"rendered":"U.K. visit strengthens key strategic partnerships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Brock University grew its global network last week as senior leaders advanced academic collaboration, expanded student mobility and renewed long\u2011standing institutional relationships in the U.K.<\/p>\n

Provost and Vice-President, Academic Arja Vainio-Mattila and Associate Vice-President, International David Begg connected with three partner universities \u2014 the University of Portsmouth, the University of Surrey and the University of Birmingham \u2014 during the trip, which took place from March 9 to 13.<\/p>\n

Vainio-Mattila and Begg were joined by Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg and Professor of Dramatic Arts Jennifer Roberts-Smith while visiting the University of Portsmouth.<\/p>\n

Brock\u2019s partnership with Portsmouth has expanded considerably over the past year, and advancing collaboration between the two institutions was a significant focus for the delegation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis visit marks an important step forward in our relationship with Portsmouth,\u201d said Rigg. \u201cOur institutions share a strong commitment to student success, research and community impact. That alignment is creating real momentum, and we\u2019re excited about what the next phase will bring.\u201d<\/p>\n

The visit reciprocated a visit by Portsmouth\u2019s senior leadership to Brock in April 2025<\/a>, when the institutions formalized an agreement to offer new dual-degree programs and explored opportunities for future academic pathways and research collaborations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur teams have built an impressive foundation in a very short time. The work we\u2019re undertaking together will open new pathways for students and deepen academic connections across both institutions,\u201d said Vainio-Mattila.<\/p>\n

While in the U.K., Vainio-Mattila and Begg also renewed Brock\u2019s long-standing student exchange partnership with the University of Birmingham.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership has provided transformative global experiences for our students for years,\u201d Vainio-Mattila said. \u201cThe renewal signals our continued commitment to increasing mobility opportunities and ensuring our students can learn and grow in worldclass academic environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discussions with leadership at the University of Birmingham explored future opportunities to strengthen the exchange and broaden participation across additional disciplines.<\/p>\n

Vainio-Mattila and Begg\u2019s trip concluded with a visit to the University of Surrey, an active exchange partner, where leaders from the two organizations discussed emerging academic pathways, and potential areas for faculty engagement and new opportunities for collaboration, including expanded short-term mobility options.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see tremendous potential with Surrey. Their strengths complement many of ours, and both institutions share a desire to create innovative international learning opportunities. There is real enthusiasm on both sides to take this partnership further,\u201d said Begg.<\/p>\n

Collectively, Rigg said these visits reflect a coordinated effort to advance Brock\u2019s international priorities by building high-impact global partnerships that enrich the student experience, strengthen research networks and enhance the University\u2019s international visibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlobal engagement is a core part of Brock\u2019s future,\u201d she said. \u201cThese partnerships open doors for our students and faculty, and they connect our work here in Niagara to communities around the world. These visits reflect our intention to be bold, strategic, and collaborative as we expand our global footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t