Southside colleges combine forces

TWO of the Southside’s largest educational establishments have joined forces to offer students exciting new teaching, research and innovation opportunities.

A strategic alliance memorandum agreed between Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT) and University College Dublin (UCD) is aimed at creating a stronger collaboration with both institutions.

While both colleges have traditionally worked closely together this agreement formalises the relationship enjoyed over the years.

The President of Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology, Dr Annie Doona, said they had been in discussions with UCD since July 2012 in regard to the agreement.

“The signing of this agreement signifies the further development of our ongoing collaboration and the formation of an alliance in areas such as teaching, research and innovation,

? she said.

“IADT will maintain its specialised position within the education landscape and the announcement is a step forward in developing relations between our two institutions.

?

The Deputy President of UCD, Professor Mark Rogers, added that they see excellent opportunities arising from a closer collaboration with IADT.

“We both promote an entrepreneurial spirit among our students and our staff and I can foresee creative outcomes from the cross-pollination and exchange of ideas between the two institutions,

? he said.

“With this agreement, we will now develop specific plans to encourage and facilitate joint projects on an academic as well as on a social and innovation exchange level.

?

The announcement follows the publication of the HEA report to the Minister for Education and Skills on inter-institutional collaboration in Irish higher education.

The report highlighted plans to cluster third level institutions in the Dublin region around the creative arts and media areas and recommended the development of strategic collaborations.

Established in April 1997, the Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT) encourages new ideas and creativity and its alumni have gone on to establish successful careers in a variety of professions.

UCD is the country’s largest university with over 25,000 students based in Ireland and a further 5,000 overseas.