Both universities formalised this agreement in July 2021. Since then, they have worked together to support the local economy and build a sustainable and inclusive future for the city and its surroundings.
A sector-leading example of civic engagement
Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Day, stated that ‘both universities play important roles in our city and it’s right that we look for innovative ways to work together’.
"We look for innovative ways to work together"
On the other hand, Northumbria University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Long, said that ‘The Collaborative Newcastle Universities Agreement is a sector-leading example of civic engagement’.
Since launching this agreement, they have developed several joint projects to address challenges in Newcastle and the North East.
One of them is the IntoNewcastle East centre, located in Walker. This centre aims to help local young people achieve their aspirations once they’ve turned 16. It provides educational support, mentoring, and work experience opportunities, and it’s now looking at opening another centre in a different location.
Students from both universities enhance the city's cultural and economic aspects. The universities value this enhancement and are working closely with Newcastle City Council to develop a new student engagement forum that will improve the student experience.
They're also working together to see how they can use their expertise towards the support of Net Zero in Newcastle, making this a way to promote the city as a global to attract international students.
Chief Executive at Newcastle City Council, Pam Smith, expressed to be ‘delighted that the universities continue to work closely together, and with the City Council, through the Collaborative Newcastle Universities Agreement’.
The reaffirmation of this union between both universities followed the announcement of the launch of Universities for North East England (UNEE), a regional partnership between 5 universities in the North East.
This partnership between Sunderland, Durham, and Teesside Universities aims to make higher education more accessible for study, business, and innovation. It also wants to provide regional insight to help inform national education policy.
