A delegation from 3 main universities of New Zealand visited Sharif University of Technology on Sunday December 4th. The delegation was hosted by Prof. Movaghar, Dean of the office of International Affairs and several faculty members from Sharif University of Technology. The meeting took place at the International Affairs’ office. During the meeting, first Dr. Movaghar introduced Sharif University of Technology. Then Dr. Akbar Ghobakhlou from Auckland University of Technology, Dr. Soroush Safaei from University of Auckland, and Dr. Peyman Zawar-Reza from University of Canterbury presented their respective universities and departments. An open floor discussion followed the introductions.
During the meeting, Mr. John Laxon, the regional director for Middle East of Education New Zealand mentioned that at the last meeting in April, an agreement was made so that we needed to have academic to academic discussions. He also mentioned that they feel this is the best way to get to working with and discussion of what practical collaboration opportunities maybe worth pursuing. Both parts should work through some of the practical needs from both sides and identify a few projects to move forward because from New Zealand government’s viewpoint, it is desirable to collaborate with a prestigious and well-known university such as Sharif.
Prof. Movaghar mentioned that to summarize the areas of mutual interest, the environmental issues, resiliency, disaster management, and earth quake are of high interest for both sides. Research collaborations as well as joint programs, degree based or certificate based programs in resiliency and disaster management are another high priority subject. Sabbaticals for doctoral students and faculty members are also of benefit to both sides.
The delegation left Sharif after making a visit to the Civil Engineering department and their laboratories and facilities.
