California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) formalized a partnership with a British institution, Birmingham City University, which will foster collaboration in research, enterprise and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.
Through a memorandum of understanding, the two institutions agreed to link students and staff “to engage in global, real-world challenges, while strengthening interdisciplinary learning across areas including engineering, computing, the arts, health and business.”
“By working together, our institutions will continue to develop interesting and useful ways to incorporate STEAM throughout our respective curriculums, which in turn helps students better understand and make lasting contributions to their communities close at hand while also constructively engaging with people and places far beyond the horizon,” said David Gillette, director of the Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Program at Cal Poly.
According to Professor Hanifa Shah OBE, pro vice-chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at BCU, this partnership “formalizes a shared commitment to collaboration across research, enterprise and STEAM education, creating valuable international opportunities for our students and staff.
“As the challenges facing society grow more complex, it is vital that we equip our students with the creativity, interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills needed to shape the future. This collaboration will play a key role in achieving that ambition,” Shah said.
Additionally, officials announced that the partnership was launched alongside a four-day joint STEAM sprint challenge, which brought together students – from undergraduates to postgraduates – to work collaboratively on live industry briefs.
The sprint featured six projects for U.S. clients, including interactive technologies and conservation media to promote wildlife protection, and the design of a droid assistant incorporating mechatronics, atmospherics, and animation.
