Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has advanced its international engagement through the second edition of its Community Connect initiative at the University of Cambridge.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme brought together AUS, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS.
Sheikha Bodour emphasized the collaboration's foundation on Sharjah's dedication to learning, innovation, and partnership. This initiative is aimed at strengthening opportunities for knowledge exchange while encouraging students and researchers to maintain a global perspective rooted in the emirate's values.
Over the course of three days, the AUS delegation explored Cambridge's research and innovation ecosystem through visits to Cambridge Enterprise, the Science Park, the Bradfield Centre, and the Babraham Research Campus. The discussions revolved around commercialisation models, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development.
AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen stated that the visit deepened collaboration with Cambridge's innovation network, aligning research, enterprise, and education to achieve meaningful outcomes.
The visit culminated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between AUS and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. This agreement aims to enhance English-language education, academic publishing, and teacher training, while also focusing on developing Arabic-language education and integrating digital and AI-driven pedagogy.
Jane Mann, Managing Director of Partnership for Education at Cambridge University Press and Assessment, noted that the partnership will strengthen educational collaboration, policy development, and learning outcomes between AUS and Cambridge.
The programme also featured a gala dinner at the Fitzwilliam Museum, hosted by Sheikha Bodour and attended by Cambridge leaders and academics. This event underscored the spirit of academic and cultural exchange that defines AUS's growing global presence.