Presidential Mission Strengthens Ties in India and UAE
Presidential Mission Strengthens Ties to India and the United Arab Emirates
The University of Guelph advanced its international priorities through a series of high‑level engagements in India and the United Arab Emirates in January and February 2026. President Rene Van Acker and Assistant Vice-President International Ben Bradshaw, joined Canadian university leaders on the Universities Canada President’s Mission to India, while U of G representatives also met with partners, alumni, and prospective students across both regions to deepen research collaboration and expand academic opportunities.
Deepening Collaboration in India
The mission began in Goa, where university presidents from across Canada gathered to explore how higher education can strengthen Canada–India relations. Discussions focused on practical, forward‑looking collaboration — including applied research partnerships, new delivery models developed with local institutions, and two‑way academic mobility that connects learning and discovery to real‑world needs in both countries.
During the mission, U of G renewed its longstanding partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), reaffirming a shared commitment to academic exchange and collaborative research.
In Delhi, President Van Acker met with leaders at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, senior officials from India’s Ministry of Education, Canada’s High Commissioner to India, and partners including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the National Dairy Development Board, and Bennett University. These conversations advanced important institutional priorities and opened meaningful opportunities in areas aligned with U of G’s strengths in agri-food, food systems, and applied research.
A recruitment event in Delhi brought together prospective students, families, alumni, and recruitment partners. Students expressed strong interest in U of G’s academic programs, experiential learning opportunities, and campus experience — reinforcing the University’s reputation as a destination for high‑quality, career‑focused education.
Strengthening Connections in the UAE
The University’s work in the UAE further strengthened its international partnerships. In addition to President Van Acker and AVP International Ben Bradshaw, the U of G delegation included Chris Moulton, Director, Alumni Affairs and Development, and two U of G faculty members, Dr. Joshua Skorburg of the College of Arts and Dr. Luiza Antonie of the College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The U of G delegation met with leadership at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) to explore shared interests in ethics, digital society, and the human dimensions of emerging technologies. Discussions highlighted opportunities for collaboration at the intersection of humanities, technology, and responsible innovation.
The visit also included participation in the Humanities, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Futures event, where U of G faculty contributed to sector‑wide conversations on the future of responsible technology. Dr. Joshua Skorburg delivered a talk on Digital Wisdom. Dr. Luiza Antonie presented on Responsible Data Mining.
These engagements complemented broader outreach in the region, including meetings with education partners and community leaders, and reinforced U of G’s growing role in shaping conversations about technology, ethics, and global learning.
Looking Ahead
Across both India and the UAE, the University of Guelph’s engagements reflect a long‑term commitment to building durable, mutually beneficial partnerships. The conversations and agreements forged during these visits will support new opportunities for research collaboration, student recruitment, and academic exchange.
As follow‑up work continues in both regions, U of G remains focused on connecting students, partners, and ideas to opportunities that create meaningful impact — in Canada and around the world.
