The University of California, Davis, has joined an international network of research-intensive universities committed to internationalization and multinational collaboration.

Universitas 21, also known as U21, announced today (Aug. 2) that UC Davis had become a member.

The campus is one of only three universities in the United States and six in North America among the network’s 27 members.

“UC Davis is a leader in working across disciplines and borders to solve today’s most pressing challenges related to food, health, the environment and society,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the U21 network on international research, teaching and service projects, which will open doors for students, faculty and staff and communities around the world.”

Bairbre Redmond, provost of U21, said the network is pleased to welcome UC Davis. “The U21 network of universities from across the globe will be enhanced by the energy and drive that UC Davis will bring in terms of its educational and research excellence and its track record as a leader in higher education, both nationally and internationally,” she said.

Founded in 1997 in Melbourne, Australia, and based in the United Kingdom, U21 works to foster educational innovation for better student learning, enhance the student experience, and promote graduate studies and research.

UC Davis has joined the network as the campus embarks on Global Education for All, an ambitious plan to provide each student — undergraduate, graduate and professional — with an international or intercultural experience.

Opportunities

Joanna Regulska, vice provost and associate chancellor for Global Affairs at UC Davis, said the network provides a forum to engage with leading universities in support of the UC Davis goal to inspire global curiosity, understanding and engagement.   

U21 enables members to develop new international working relationships; participate in educational and research initiatives; and share best practices, resources and data. For students, the network offers opportunities for international study and internships as well as research workshops and funding at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

UC Davis has more than 150 international partnerships across 45 countries including formal agreements with network member-universities in Australia, Chile, China, Ireland, Japan and New Zealand.