WUN Executive Director, Professor John Hearn announced today that The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) joins its global research university network, lifting the number of members in the network to 17.
UMass Amherst is among the top public research universities in the United States and harbours some of the world’s leading scientific minds.
Chair of the WUN Partnership Board, Dr Max Price, said the partnership will bring significant expertise and resources to the network, particularly in the areas of public health and climate change.
“We are delighted that the University of Massachusetts Amherst has joined WUN in our mission to produce innovative, high quality and sustainable research. Not only is it a leader in life sciences, but its climate scientists are among the best in the world,” said Dr Price.
Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said UMass Amherst is proud to become part of an organisation that shares its long tradition of scientific research and innovation.
“We look forward to collaborating with other leading universities that share our vision of making a profound, transformative impact toward the common good. Our partnership with WUN will allow us to establish long-lasting partnerships that will enhance our research,” said Chancellor Subbaswamy.
Established in 1863, UMass Amherst is renowned for its high level of research activity. It ranks third in funding from the National Science Foundation among Massachusetts colleges and universities, behind only MIT and Harvard. In 2013, it was awarded $95 million by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to partner with life sciences companies to develop new products and services. Prior, it was selected by the U.S. government to lead a consortium of seven universities and host a major new initiative, the Northeast Climate Science Center to study the effects of climate change on ecosystems, wildlife, water and other resources in the region, funded with a $7.5 million grant.
The University has appointed representatives to WUN’s two boards of governance. Chancellor Subbaswamy will join the WUN Partnership Board and serve as a company director; Provost Katherine Newman will represent the University on the Academic Advisory Group.
