International networks
UWA is a proud member of many international consortia and networks. These engagements underpin the University's position as a global leader in education and impactful research, leveraging relationships in the Indian Ocean Rim and around the world.
UWA is a founding member of the Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), an international group of leading, like-minded universities that promote excellence in research-led education.
‘Matariki’ is the Maori name for the group of stars called the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. ‘Matariki' is also the word for the Maori New Year, symbolising a new beginning.
Research
A diverse set of Research Themes facilitate enhanced collaboration, joint research grant applications and publications, teaching initiatives and the sharing of industry contacts.
The initial focus of the network has been on the undergraduate experience. Their representatives have been exploring possibilities for collaborative research focused on seven primary research themes.
Each institution is responsible for a research theme:
- Brain and mind (Integrative Neuroscience) – University of Otago
- Quantum science – University of Tübingen
- Peace and conflict – Uppsala University
- Disaster resilience – Durham University
- Cyber security – Dartmouth College
- Sustainability, environment and resources – Queen’s University
- Oceans and the Blue Economy – The University of Western Australia.
The Matariki Network will further enhance the existing research excellence of its members by identifying common research themes for international collaboration, and, by using the added value of collaboration, make a stronger impact globally.
The Matariki Research Network will also share existing research infrastructure and help to facilitate international research collaborations and exchanges, including the development of the next generation of researchers.
The Matariki Lecture Series showcases themes that advance the teaching and research enterprise of all partner institutions of the Matariki Network. In 2021, Lectures were moved online to broaden participation and engagement.UWA was pleased to ho-cost the first of three events under the theme of 'Race, Racism and Decolonisation'. Videos from each event are available on the Matariki YouTube channel:
- Event 1 'Racism and social determinants of health'
- Event 2 'Practical impacts of racism on everyday living'
- Event 3 'Decolonisation'
The Matariki Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT) challenges research students from around the Network to communicate the significance of their projects to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. UWA students are always well represented in this annual event and have won 1st place and runner up in previous years.
UWA undergraduate internships
The Matariki Undergraduate Research Network Internships provide opportunities for selected students to have a practical research experience, promote a greater awareness of the scholarship of teaching and learning, and provide the university with context-relevant information to inform teaching and learning at each university.
Education and Mobility
MNU offers a range of Student Mobility programs that provide opportunities for innovative international experiences. Over the years, UWA staff and students gained knowledge and long-lasting friendships through their engagement with the Matariki Global Citizenship Program and the Matariki Indigenous Student Mobility Program.
With COVID-19 related travel restrictions, the Network quickly pivoted to online activities, including:
- A Matariki Network Global Citizenship micro credential course in conjunction with the not-for-profit organisation Common Purpose.
- An exploration of other virtual education modalities, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
To learn more about the Matariki Network, please contact the Global Engagement office.
