SCOTLAND’S RURAL College has joined a global network of universities to share research and collaborate on addressing the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SRUC has been named as a new member of the Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030), joining partners in countries including Chile, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Sweden and the USA.

The overall goal of GCUA 2030 is to encourage active and strategic collaboration across different geographic levels and disciplines, in order to meet the UN's SDGs by 2030.

Universities and higher education institutes have a key role to play in relation to SDG number four: 'Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all'. However, it is hoped that by contributing knowledge and innovation, they can contribute to all 17 goals.

Academic director at SRUC, Professor Jamie Newbold, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to become a member of GCUA 2030, where we will join colleagues from a dozen international universities as partners in research and education, with a focus on addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“This includes joint activities and the sharing of course materials and training – with a particular focus on PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.”

Pro vice-chancellor for international relations, Ylva Hillbur, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences – which leads the network, said: “We are very happy to welcome SRUC to GCUA 2030 and look forward to welcoming PhD students and postdocs as participants in training activities, and to developing new activities in collaboration with SRUC.”