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UCL strengthens partnerships in Europe with new agreements and collaborations

25 February 2025

To reinforce UCL’s European partnerships, Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), led a delegation across mainland Europe, engaging with key academic and industry partners in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Lund, and Munich.

meeting with Lund U

Expanding university and industry collaborations 

During the visit, UCL signed a Letter of Intent with Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University, known collectively as the University Alliance Stockholm Trio. This key milestone initially aims to deepen collaboration in sustainability, climate crisis, and mental health, aligning closely with UCL Grand Challenges. 

At RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), the delegation discussed expanding collaboration on the Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign, with plans set for a dedicated event at UCL PEARL in May 2025.  

In Copenhagen, meetings with the Novo Nordisk Foundation and BioInnovation Institute explored new opportunities for joint research and innovation initiatives. Meanwhile, UCL met with leading ferry operator DFDS to discuss how its expertise could contribute to decarbonising the shipping industry. These productive conversations identified several potential areas for collaboration. 

At the University of Copenhagen, discussions highlighted numerous shared strengths, particularly both institutions' roles in emerging innovation districts and their strong links with Novo Nordisk and other Danish foundations.  

A dinner meeting with the Lundbeck Foundation in Copenhagen was equally promising, focusing on expanding research collaboration in psychiatry and neuroscience. Conversations explored the foundation’s priorities, potential academic partnerships, and ways to build capacity in cognitive neuroscience and mental health. 

The visit also reinforced UCL’s commitment to partnerships in Germany. The Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research was confirmed for renewal, marking a significant milestone as it enters its third cycle. This achievement reflects the dedication of Prof Ray Dolan, Director of the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, and Prof Ulman Lindenberger, Co-Director of the Centre, in advancing the field and fostering collaboration. It was an honour to have Prof Patrick Cramer, President of the Max Planck Society, accompany the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of this partnership.

From left to right: Prof Geraint Rees (UCL), Clas Hättestrand (Stockholm University), Martin Bergö (Karolinska Institutet), and Stefan Östlund (KTH Royal Institute of Technology). UCL representatives met with University Alliance Stockholm Trio members at KTH in Stockholm.

From left to right: Clas Hättestrand (Stockholm University), Martin Bergö (Karolinska Institutet), Prof Geraint Rees (UCL), and Stefan Östlund (KTH Royal Institute of Technology). UCL signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the University Alliance Stockholm Trio.

Prof Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), and Prof Patrick Cramer, President of the Max Planck Society, signed the renewal agreement for the Max Planck UCL Centre.

From left to right: Rebecca Holt (UCL), Conor Rickford (UCL), Dr Uta Staiger (UCL), Prof Lasana Harris (UCL), Prof Steve Fleming (UCL), Prof Ulman Lindenberger (MPS), Prof Geraint Rees (UCL), Prof Patrick Cramer (MPS), Prof Ray Dolan (UCL)

A tour of Stockholm University for the UCL delegation.

UCL representatives met with the University of Copenhagen.

UCL alumni reception at the British Embassy in Copenhagen.

Prof Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), speaking at the UCL alumni event in Stockholm.

Group photo from the UCL alumni event in Stockholm, with the exhibition of UCL’s European Literary Map of London in the background.

Group photo from UCL alumni reception in Copenhagen.

UCL academics interact with alumni at the UCL alumni event in Stockholm.

Engaging with UCL’s alumni network 

The delegation connected with UCL's vibrant alumni community through well-attended receptions in Stockholm and Copenhagen. A highlight of the visit was the Swedish incarnation of UCL’s European Literary Map of London, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore London through the eyes of European writers. 

British Ambassador to Denmark, Joëlle Jenny, hosted a successful UCL alumni reception at the British Embassy in Copenhagen. Close to 100 alumni attended one of the two receptions, highlighting the strength of UCL’s European alumni network. 

Reflecting on the visit, Professor Geraint Rees said: “This visit has reaffirmed UCL’s strong and enduring partnerships across Europe. By deepening collaborations with leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, we are creating opportunities for world-leading research and innovation. Strengthening these relationships also ensures that UCL continues to engage with its global alumni network and supports our shared commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges.” 

Joining Professor Rees on the visit were Dr Uta Staiger, Global Strategic Academic Advisor (Europe); Siobhan Morris, Assistant Director of UCL Grand Challenges; and faculty representatives from the Faculty of Brain Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, the Faculty of Population Health Sciences and the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment.

Featured image

UCL delegation visiting Lund University. From left to right: Niklas Mattson-Carlgren (Senior lecturer and Deputy research team manager, Lund University), Conor Rickford (Associate Director of UCL Global Engagement), Kristina Eneroth, (Pro Vice-chancellor for strategy and global affairs, Lund University), Prof Lasana Harris (Vice-Dean International, UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences), David Gisselsson Nord (Vice dean for international affairs and security, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University), Maria Björkqvist (Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University), Rebecca Holt (UCL Senior Global Engagement Manager, Europe), Richard Stenelo (International Director & Deputy Executive Director, Lund University), and Dr Uta Staiger (UCL Global Strategic Academic Advisor, Europe).

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