Universities launch partnership to 'bolster economic and social impact'

The North East’s universities have unveiled a fresh partnership to create a “strong unified voice for the higher education sector”.

Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside have united under the Universities for North East England banner.

Bosses say the venture, set to be officially launched later this year, will strengthen collaboration “to achieve even greater social and economic impact”.

They say it will also make higher education “more accessible to students, regardless of their background” and “ensure businesses and other organisations can work with the sector as easily as possible”.

The collaboration builds on existing partnerships that include the Northern Accelerator programme, which supports researchers and businesses to spin out academic research into commercial endeavours.

Hailing the potential of Universities for North East England, vice-chancellors from the area’s five institution’s said: “Our universities play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth as well as the educational, social and cultural success of our cities, towns and wider region.   

“Working together, we will make an even greater contribution to everyone who lives, works and studies in the North East.

“Through Universities for North East England, we can strengthen our existing close partnerships and collaborations, and act as a strong unified voice for the higher education sector and the North East.”

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