Auckland signs landmark agreement with Mexico

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Auckland signs landmark agreement with Mexico

Media release - University of Auckland - 28 June 2016

Twenty Mexican students will have a chance to begin study toward their doctorates at the University of Auckland each year as a result of a new agreement.

The University is the first New Zealand university to sign with Mexican agency Conacyt providing sponsorship for Mexican students wishing to study full PhD degrees here and also promoting postgraduate fellowship visits between the two countries.

Conacyt is the prestigious federal agency charged with the promotion and support of scientific and technological research and activity in Mexico.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Conacyt,” says Professor Jenny Dixon, the University of Auckland's Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Engagement. ‘It enables our leading expertise in engineering, science and technology to make a contribution to Mexico through research and academic collaboration.”

The new agreement will allow PhD studies for 12 months in any of the eight faculties at the University. Mexican masters students may also propose visits of up to six months for the purpose of gaining experience in research projects while University of Auckland students can also propose visits of similar duration to accredited Mexican universities.

The agreement further strengthens ties between Mexico and New Zealand. Mexico is New Zealand’s largest trading partner in the Latin American region and one area of considerable potential benefit between the two countries is in the field of renewable energy research.

Energy reform currently taking place in Mexico, and intended to reduce its reliance on a stagnant oil and gas sector, is leading to interest in alternative forms of sustainable energy generation and supply, including geothermal.

The University hosts an Energy Centre and its Geothermal Institute is actively engaged in research and exchanges in Mexico. Head of Engineering Science, Professor Rosalind Archer sees potential for even more collaboration with the signing of the Conacyt agreement.

"This agreement will pave the way for more scientific interchange on renewable energy between New Zealand and Mexico. We hope to see Mexico grow its geothermal energy generation, which will assist it in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels."

ENDS

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