Chatham University and Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to encourage collaboration between the two institutions. Possibilities included but are not limited to research partnerships; formal exchange programs for faculty and students; shared courses; and combined degrees.

“Dublin Institute of Technology sought us out as a partner because of our leadership in sustainability,” says Assistant Vice President for International Affairs Chris Musick. “There are several areas of academic overlap between the two institutions, and language is not an issue.” Musick notes that the partnership dovetails well with Chatham’s Year of Global Focus for 2018-19, which is Ireland.

“DIT has incredible programs that provide student brainpower for community projects,” adds Chatham Director of University Sustainability Mary Whitney, PhD.

In welcoming this important new platform for collaboration with Chatham, DIT President, Professor Brian Norton, said, “We are all excited by the prospect of working more closely with colleagues in Chatham University and look forward to developing collaborative research projects and mutually beneficial study abroad options for our students and staff.”

DIT’s School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology is Ireland’s leading provider of education, training and research for food-related industries. The Institute also offers a number of other graduate and undergraduate sustainability-related programs that complement Falk School of Sustainability & Environment  initiatives.

DIT is home to the Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI), a joint program of Ireland’s National Health Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Dublin City Council, the EU and the University of Ulster. ESHI includes research institutes such as the Dublin Energy Lab, Water Innovation Research Center, Food and Health Research Center, and e-Health.

Chatham President David Finegold signed the Memorandum during his visit to Ireland in November, which followed President Norton’s summer visit to Chatham.

“DIT couldn’t have been more welcoming during my visit and I believe this will be a great long-term partnership,” says President Finegold.  “Beyond our shared strengths in sustainability and food studies, there are a range of academic areas where we can work together, from interior architecture and virtual worlds, to more inclusive approaches to entrepreneurship.”

Since November, DIT’s Head of School for Culinary Arts & Food Technology, Dr. Frank Cullen, has visited Pittsburgh. Further exchanges and collaborations are being developed for 2018-19.