As part of our blog series, Global Perspectives in Higher Education, we asked higher education professionals a series of questions to gain insights on the evolving landscape.

This month we hear from Mike Ferguson, Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Charles Sturt University.

📅 Dates: 19–20 March 2025 (Please sign up here)
📍 Venue: Dayanand Sagar University, Bengaluru, India

📌 Free Registration – Closes on 1st March 2025
Reserve your spot today: Register Here

Cormack Consultancy Group was proud to facilitate Arizona State University’s inaugural visit to Lithuania and Latvia from February 3–6, 2025, as part of their European engagement strategy. ASU’s delegation met with leading universities and key stakeholders to explore joint research and training opportunities in fields like semiconductors, sustainable energy, and med tech, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and funding applications.

As we mark three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the remarkable response from UK universities through the Twinning initiative stands as a beacon of solidarity and hope. With over £70 million in support, 105 institutional partnerships, dual degree programs, and vital infrastructure like power generators, this collaborative effort continues to strengthen Ukraine’s education sector and aid its long-term recovery.

Earlier this month, John Bunter and Shraddha Kadam visited leading institutions in Aurangabad and Kopargaon, including Sanjivani University, MGM University, MIT Asia Group of Institutes, and PES College. Their visit focused on introducing CCG’s Equitable TNE model and exploring opportunities to support these institutions in developing strong international partnerships.

The Generators4Ukraine campaign continues to deliver vital support, with Bath Spa University donating a generator to Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities. Coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group as part of the Twinning initiative, this effort ensures Ukrainian educational institutions can maintain operations despite ongoing challenges, providing a lifeline during difficult winter periods.

This Christmas, Cormack Consultancy Group is proud to support the Kryviy Rih Applied College of Trade and Hotel and Restaurant Business with a Starlink Terminal, ensuring reliable internet during blackout periods. For the third year, CCG is also donating gifts to children in the Beryslav region of Kherson, bringing joy to those living under constant shelling — a heartfelt effort made possible by our incredible partners on the ground.

At the end of last month, John Bunter, CCG's Regional Director for India, visited leading universities in Hyderabad and Chennai, including Malla Reddy University, Bharath University, Dr. MGR University, Saveetha University, Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology, and VELS University. During these visits, John introduced CCG’s Equitable TNE model and explored opportunities to support institutions in building strong international partnerships.

On December 4-5th, Dr. Anzhela Stashchak, CCG's Director for Projects, participated in the Times Higher Education Summit 2024, where she shared insights on advancing equality and accessibility in higher education. Highlighting CCG’s efforts to support higher education in crisis zones like Ukraine, Palestine, Syria, and Afghanistan, Dr. Stashchak also had the honor of presenting the award for Outstanding Internationalisation Strategy at the THE Awards Arab World 2024.

As part of the ‘Generators4Ukraine’ campaign, Queen Margaret University has donated a generator to Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, ensuring uninterrupted education during power outages. Coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group as part of the Twinning initiative, this critical support helps Ukrainian universities maintain operations despite the ongoing challenges of war.

Cormack Consultancy Group was thrilled to help organize the University of Technology Sydney’s visit to Lithuania and Latvia, where meetings with leading universities and research councils focused on building enduring partnerships through Horizon Europe, EU funding, and joint research initiatives. The visit culminated in productive discussions across Vilnius, Kaunas, and Riga, paving the way for exciting collaborations within the European science ecosystem.

The partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, and Presidency University (PU), Bangalore, India, facilitated by Cormack Consultancy Group, exemplifies equitable international collaboration aimed at enhancing institutional capacity and fostering transformative student opportunities. With initiatives such as dual-degree programs, student and staff exchanges, and an equitable fund supporting shared educational priorities, this collaboration is committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term global impact.

CCG, in collaboration with Mosaik Education and the United Nations Human Rights Council, hosted an insightful conference focused on advancing refugee access to higher education. With thanks to all speakers, especially Vivienne Stern, and the efforts of Ben Webster, Arash from UNHCR, and Aziz Boussofiane, the event provided a platform to explore and build on key ideas for supporting refugees in their academic journeys.

The first generators have arrived at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Zaporizhzhia National University, and Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, ensuring continued education and student welfare during power outages. Coordinated by Cormack Consultancy Group under the Twinning initiative, this effort is supported by Durham University, Sheffield Hallam University, and the University of Bath, with every pound donated doubled by a philanthropic organization.

Last week, Yana Sydorenko, CCG’s Twinning Assistant Manager, participated in the ‘Justice, Recovery and Reconstruction in Ukraine’ conference hosted by Edge Hill University, where she discussed the role of international cooperation in supporting the resilience and recovery of higher education during and after the war. The conference featured all-female panels, offering a platform for female academics and practitioners to network and collaborate on key issues related to justice and human rights.

Last week, Roger Horam, CCG Associate, shared his expertise on successful bid writing at the Horizon Europe Digital Technologies event during the 5G Techritory conference in Riga. Organized by the research councils of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the event brought together over 190 researchers and business representatives from 36 countries, both in-person and remotely.

John Bunter recently visited Coimbatore and Bangalore, meeting with colleagues at Karunya University, REVA University, Christ University, Chanakya University, and Jain University. During these discussions, John introduced the Equitable TNE Partnership Model and explored how CCG can support these institutions in developing and strengthening their international partnerships.

Donald Trump’s re-election raises significant concerns and uncertainties for the U.S. higher education sector, particularly around policy changes, federal funding, and international engagement. Institutions are bracing for potential shifts in regulatory oversight, academic freedom, and diversity initiatives, prompting strategic adaptations to safeguard their missions and students' needs.

CCG had a fantastic time at the Universities UK International TNE conference, where we hosted a breakout session with insightful contributions from Kuldeep Dagar, Stuart Bannerman, Sally Wheeler, and Roy Tokunbo Olowu. We’re excited to continue the discussions on Equitable TNE, and welcome anyone with further questions to get in touch!

The UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative was launched in response to the 2022 Russian invasion, facilitating tailored partnerships between British and Ukrainian universities to address diverse needs such as academic support, staff development, and infrastructure rebuilding. Over two years, the initiative has established over 100 partnerships, supported 620+ projects, and engaged 15,000+ students, proving its impact while navigating challenges like system differences and language barriers.