Research, community & future

Two North Atlantic universities have signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen education, research and knowledge sharing across the islands

A new chapter begins for higher education communities in the North Atlantic.

Ilisimatusarfik and Fróðskaparsetur Føroya (University of the Faroe Islands) have just signed an ambitious cooperation agreement that will bring the two universities closer together over the next five years.

The agreement covers a wide range of areas - from exchange of lecturers and researchers to joint program development and student support.

The ambition is clear: closer and more focused collaboration to improve the quality of higher education across the region.

"We face many of the same challenges in the North Atlantic and we can learn a lot from each other. With this agreement, we create a stronger common foundation for education and research", says Gitte Adler Reimer, rector at Ilisimatusarfik.

Professional community across the ocean

One of the cornerstones of the agreement is exchange.

This means that lecturers, researchers and administrative staff will have the opportunity to work across the universities - for example as guest lecturers, in joint research projects or as part of experience exchange in the administration.

The exchange will strengthen professional quality, provide new inspiration and ensure that knowledge and good solutions flow between Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Joint programs and new PhD opportunities

The two universities will also collaborate to develop new programs and courses, especially in areas relevant to life and communities in the North Atlantic.

This applies to both traditional education and digital solutions that make it easier for young people in remote areas to access higher education.

Another key element of the agreement is the establishment of a new PhD school in the Faroe Islands.

Ilisimatusarfik will play an important role here - with opportunities for joint supervision, courses and research activities.

Focus on students and quality

The agreement also puts emphasis on improving student services.

The universities will collaborate on everything from study guidance and career support to mental health and well-being.

In addition, the quality of both teaching and administration must be strengthened through common standards and continuous evaluation.

The agreement comes into effect immediately and runs for five years.

Along the way, the collaboration will be closely monitored and adjusted as needed - with the ambition to extend and expand the collaboration in the future.

With the new agreement, Ilisimatusarfik and Fróðskaparsetur Føroya send a clear signal: knowledge knows no borders - not even in the North Atlantic.