AIT signs major new agreement with US-based institute

A major collaboration between AIT and US-based Georgia Tech and Georgia Tech Ireland to explore joint educational opportunities in the future will be rubberstamped today (Wednesday), when both parties sign a memorandum of understanding in Athlone. The agreement will explore joint research and educational opportunities between Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, and Georgia Tech Ireland (GTI). The memorandum of understanding envisages the possibility of joint research programmes, joint/dual undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as collaboration on the ongoing development of a Midlands Gateway Research and Innovation Centre in Athlone. Over the course of the past year, AIT and GTI, which has its Irish headquarters in Athlone, have collaborated on various initiatives in nanomedicine, biomedicine/biosciences and food processing technologies. This latest agreement looks to continue that development. 'This strategic partnership between Athlone and Atlanta will involve the sharing of expertise and resources that will be to the betterment of all parties. An already strong relationship exists between our respective institutions and this agreement provides the necessary framework to progress in new and bold directions,' according to President of AIT, Professor Ciarán ' Catháin. 'In particular, our common interest in wireless systems and nanomedicine sets the platform from which we will further develop this trans-Atlantic partnership. In an era where collaboration is increasingly the norm, this agreement is marked by an uncommon distinctiveness and vision ... At a time when hope is needed more than ever before, here is the germ of that promise,' he stated. Dr Krishan Ahuja, Director of Georgia Tech Ireland and a Regents Professor at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, said: 'GTI is delighted to partner with Athlone IT to promote science, education, research and development in the midlands. GTI"s parent, Georgia Institute of Technology, has ranked in the top 10 among public universities in the United States for ten consecutive years and its applied research arm, Georgia Tech Research Institute, performs more than €100 million worth of applied research annually. These resources, along with GTI"s outstanding facilities and personnel in Athlone, will support the collaboration with AIT and provide countless benefits for the entire region.' For prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, the possible implementation of joint/dual programmes in bioscience, nanomedicine, systems engineering and entrepreneurship is a very exciting development. The agreement also envisages student and faculty exchanges between the US and Ireland. The possibility of collaborating on continuing education/distance learning programmes is also outlined. AIT will also explore establishing a visiting fellowship for a senior Georgia Tech representative, who will be actively involved in developing joint research project initiatives. Research institutes on the Atlanta and Athlone campuses may also benefit from shared research leader expertise on their advisory boards. GTI will explore offering a suitable faculty title to leaders of key research institutes at AIT that have collaborative programmes with GTI.