By Emer O’Toole

One of the University of Strathclyde’s leading global partners gave a keynote speech on co-operative research at the University last month.

Professor John Sexton, the President of New York University (NYU) delivered the address which primarily focused on the measures universities can employ to improve their international connections and overall status.

Titled The Global Network University, Sexton’s lecture examined the difficulties and advantages of overseas campuses and research co-operatives which will ultimately benefit higher education staff and students as well as society.

Sexton’s visit stems from an initiative between NYU and the University of Strathclyde. The establishments are advancing new research and collaborative opportunities.

The two institutions are collaborating in the subjects of Sustainable and future cities; Biomedical engineering; Energy and power systems; Policy development and engagement; Incubators and innovation.

Sexton was also awarded a Doctorate of the University of Strathclyde, in honour of his international higher education achievements, during his visit.

Professor Sexton commented: “I am very proud to receive this honour from the University of Strathclyde, which I accept on behalf of my university, which is the true recipient. It is particularly gratifying to be recognised by a university that – like NYU – has a vigorous global presence and bold global outlook.”

Professor Kenny Miller, Vice-Principal of the University of Strathclyde, spoke highly of Sexton’s achievements: “As a leading international technological university, with a strong overseas presence and a student population drawn from more than 100 countries, we share the goal of Professor Sexton and NYU to develop globally-minded universities and we look forward to hearing him lead a stimulating discussion on the subject.”

Strathclyde Principal Professor Sir Jim McDonald spoke of how Strathclyde encourages students to choose careers which are “beneficial not only to themselves but to our global society.”

He continued: “We look forward to many more achievements of this kind by our students who are graduating this month. Our honorary graduates are ideal examples for them to follow; their work is public-spirited, community-minded and aimed at enhancing lives in healthcare, welfare and access to education and justice.

“They reflect the qualities which brought us the title of Times Higher Education UK University of the year and they resonate with a number of our new ventures, including Health Technologies at Strathclyde and the Strathclyde-based Children’s University Scotland.”

Professor Sexton is one of six distinguished figures who received honorary degrees from the University last month.

Honarary degrees were also given to Lindsay Montgomery, Chief Executive of Scottish Legal Aid Board; Romy Langeland, child care consultant and former Chair of the Strathclyde-based Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland; James McKillop, founding member and former Chair of Scottish Dementia Working Group; Iain MacRitchie, Chairman & CEO, MCR Holdings and Derek Feeley, Executive Vice President of the US-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Chief Executive of NHS Scotland.

Professor John Sexton has been president of NYU since 2001 and has several decades of experience as a lecturer in law and religious studies.

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