The Matariki Network of Universities (MNU), one of Queen’s University’s most strategically important global networks, recently added the University of the Western Cape as its eighth member, marking an exciting expansion in Queen’s international network of partner institutions. The University of the Western Cape is the network’s first new member since its founding in 2010.

The network aims to enhance quality in all areas of institutional activity by building international excellence in research and education through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and addressing common goals. These research-intensive universities, among the oldest in their countries, enrich their work by sharing ideas, best practices, and collaborating in areas where collective strength surpasses individual efforts. Members include universities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and now, South Africa.

“Since its founding, the Matariki Network has brought its member institutions together around shared priorities, and a commitment to mutual support,” says Patrick Deane, Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor and current MNU Chair. “As it moves deeper into its second decade, and with a renewed and enlarged strategic purpose, this group of critical university friends is delighted to welcome the University of the Western Cape to its membership.”

15 years of global collaboration

The MNU engages everyone in the university community, including students, faculty, and staff across all areas and disciplines. Some key successes from the first decade include the Matariki Indigenous Student Mobility Program, created by and for Indigenous students, faculty, and staff; the Library Group, which advances the strategic role of libraries in a changing scholarly publishing landscape; and the Research SEED Fund, which recently supported three Queen’s research projects in partnership with Matariki members to advance globally impactful research. Explore more highlights in the Matariki Network 10-year Report.

“The relationship among the partners of the Matariki Network has been invaluable in jointly working towards interests of crucial importance in the world today,” says Sandra den Otter, Vice-Principal, Global Engagement. “As we approach the 15-year anniversary of the network, it is exciting to see increased engagement and continuous deepening of the involvement between our institutions at all levels. Global engagement is for everyone, and everyone can benefit from the Matariki Network. We are looking forward to adding the University of the Western Cape into all the opportunities that the network has to offer.”

MNU opportunities through Queen’s

Building on the achievements of the first decade, MNU opportunities continue to expand and evolve, driven by the initiatives of its member universities. This academic year, all members of the Queen’s community have several ways to engage with MNU programs.

Professional Development

This fall, professional service staff leaders can apply the new Matariki Engagement Grant, which supports collaborative projects that advance MNU’s guiding principles.

Staff leaders can also join the highly popular Matariki Leadership Initiative, a professional development program focused on self-awareness, values, and kindness. Now in its third year, the program will feature three experts on each of the topics and will allow participants to critically reflect and dive into each area via virtual participation.  

Research

Faculty members, particularly early career researchers, can apply for £25,000 in SEED Funding for research projects involving at least two MNU institutions. Proposals can cover any topic and are encouraged to align broadly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). A new application round opens this fall.

Mobility

Students can apply to the Matariki Global Citizenship Programme, an innovative online course that builds essential skills, deepens understanding of the UN SDGs, and teaches how to actively contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Upon completion, students earn a Global Citizenship Microcredential.

The program is part of a broader initiative to explore global citizenship and help universities critically engage with global challenges and possibilities by empowering learnings, involving the community, and fostering ongoing dialogue.

MNU will soon announce PhD mobility and undergraduate research opportunities, as well as a return of the popular Matariki Indigenous Student Mobility Program.

Learn more about all these programs on the Queen’s Global Engagement website.