University of Glasgow Connect

Glasgow’s international networks

Glasgow is internationally connected

Glasgow is privileged to enjoy incredible connectivity with many of the world’s leading higher education institutions through our membership of international networks. As detailed in our Global Glasgow strategy, we set out to leverage and lead in our international networks, with a particular focus on furthering the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We use our network membership to facilitate opportunities for our colleagues, students and stakeholder communities, as well as our global alumni and industry networks, and to support the internationalisation activities delivered by the institution. For example, access to funding, mobility and networking opportunities, and the development of intercultural competencies.

New networks

University of the Arctic

Earlier this year, the University of Glasgow joined the University of the Arctic (UArctic). UArctic is an international network that develops knowledge to address local and global challenges of relevance to Arctic peoples and societies by providing unique educational, research, and innovation opportunities through collaboration within a powerful network of member institutions. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and infrastructures that enable member institutions to better serve their communities.

Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement and Vice Principal, External Relations, said: "I am delighted that the University of Glasgow is joining many fellow Scottish universities in The University of Artic network. This presents the University with an exciting opportunity to collaborate with global peers in support of education, research and outreach. I look forward to seeing Glasgow become involved in the work of the thematic networks within UArctic, including student exchange, and contributing to a range of important initiatives.”

European University Association

We also recently became members of the European University Association (EUA) which represents more than 850 universities and national rectors’ conferences in 49 European countries. EUA plays a crucial role in influencing EU policies on higher education, research and innovation. Through continuous interaction with a range of other European and international organisations, EUA ensures that the independent voice of European universities is heard.

Glasgow’s International Network Membership

Glasgow is an active and engaged member of the following three networks and considers its fellow members to be strategic partners:

The Guild

The University of Glasgow is proud to be a founding member of The Guild. Founded in 2016, The Guild comprises twenty-one of Europe’s most distinguished research-intensive universities in sixteen countries and is dedicated to enhancing the voice of academic institutions, their researchers and their students. The Guild is committed to the pursuit of excellence, the importance of truth-seeking and trust-building as the foundation of public life, and the creation of new knowledge for the benefit of society, culture, and economic growth.

U21

We are proud to also be a founding member of Universitas 21 (U21). Established in 1997, U21 is a global network of 27 leading research-led universities for the 21st century. This allows us to follow education projects larger than any one university could manage alone and offer a framework for international collaboration. U21 offers a range of opportunities for collaboration within the following three themes: Offering the best student experience, Educational innovation and Researcher development.

CIVIS

CIVIS is a European Civic University formed by the alliance of 11 leading research higher education institutions across Europe. It brings together a community of more than 470,000 students and 58,000 staff members including 35,000 academics and researchers. Rooted in their urban and regional landscape, the CIVIS member universities actively contribute to the social, cultural and economic dynamism of their ecosystem and promote European values. CIVIS will forge richer interactions and co-creation of knowledge and skills with citizens, schools, enterprises, social and cultural associations. The University of Glasgow currently has the Chair of the CIVIS Steering Committee and is looking forward to hosting a meeting in Glasgow later this month.