ACU Highlights 23-24

Our highlights from

2023-24

Contents Foreword from the Secretary General

3

Who we are

4

Members by region

5

Our year in numbers

6

Supporting Commonwealth universities

8

Building a greener, fairer world

11

Representing higher education on the world stage

17

International mobility

20

Foreword

from the Secretary General 2023–24 was a significant year for the ACU, and my first as Secretary General and Chief Executive. This report highlights our key achievements, projects and programmes against our strategic plan ‘The Road to 2030’ in the reporting period from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024. It provides a snapshot of our work towards our mission to build a better world through higher education – by supporting Commonwealth universities, representing higher education in global policy forums and helping our members to build a greener and fairer world.

Our policy and advocacy work In our role as the voice of higher education in the Commonwealth, we launched our new Higher Education Taskforce in February 2024. At the request of the Commonwealth Secretariat, we established the Taskforce to drive forward progress on education policy commitments made at the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in 2022. Composed of Commonwealth university vice-chancellors, the Taskforce is focused on five thematic areas: funding and finance, access and inclusion in higher education, sustainable and inclusive research ecosystems, digital access and developing future-ready graduates.

These themes were further explored during the ACU Vice-Chancellor Summit in May 2024, hosted on the fringe of the 22nd CCEM in London. Over the course of the day, we welcomed in excess of 100 distinguished guests from more than 20 countries across our network, including ACU member vicechancellors, Commonwealth education

ministers and higher education stakeholders.

Outcomes from the multiple policy dialogues that ran throughout the summit, as well as recommendations developed by the Taskforce, fed directly into the 22nd CCEM meeting, where we represented the higher education sector and showcased its impact. We continued the discussions with policymakers and stakeholders across the Commonwealth in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in October 2024, where we continued to advocate for higher education’s pivotal role in the search for solutions to global challenges.

Our role as convenors and connectors We were proud to host the Climate-U ‘Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate: The International Forum on Higher Education and the Climate Crisis’ conference in October 2023, and subsequently worked closely with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the University of the West FOREWORD Our highlights from 2023-24 | 3

Who we are The Association of Commonwealth Universities is a global network of universities with a shared commitment to building a better world through international collaboration in higher education. As the world’s first and oldest international university network, we have been bringing universities together from across the Commonwealth for more than 100 years. 70% of our members are in low and middle income countries, and we are represented in more than 50% of Commonwealth large ocean states. Our network covers over 10 million students and more than 1 million academic and professional staff.

Indies to launch the Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE) at the UN 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States in May 2024.

In September 2024, we launched our new digital networking platform for members, ACU Connect, and the ACU Roster of Experts, which now has over 700 academics with a broad range of expertise from across the Commonwealth registered.

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do and our work with strategic partners has enabled a range of new programmes that will benefit not only our members but wider society, whilst reliably delivering the contracted outcomes. We successfully secured funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via the Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension scheme to participate in the Horizon Europe funded CEA FIRST (Consortium Europe Africa on Research and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation) project and the European Commission funded StEPPFoS (Strengthening EvidenceBased Policy Practice for Sustainable Food Systems) under the EU-AU Partnership project. In January 2024, we also partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN to pilot the creation of a research network (RESNET) focused on global agrifood system transformation.

4 | Our highlights from 2023-24 FOREWORD

International mobility We take great pride in our longstanding dedication to scholarships as a means to enhance access to higher education and look forward to continuing to work with UK and Commonwealth Governments on our international mobility portfolio, which this year included the Commonwealth Scholarships, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, and the Ocean Country Partnerships Programme Scholarships. The ACU also continued to lead the assessment of grant applications for the Turing Scheme.

Our new Patron In May 2024, we were deeply honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles III as the ACU’s new Patron. His Majesty’s patronage will be instrumental in raising the global profile of Commonwealth universities and the innovative solutions they are contributing to overcoming the major challenges facing the world, from climate change to biodiversity loss and rapid urbanisation.

Professor Colin Riordan CBE ACU Secretary General and Chief Executive

Members by region

AFRICA 90+ ASIA 170+ CARIBBEAN and AMERICAS 20+ EUROPE 80+ PACIFIC 20+

BROWSE MEMBERS

MEMBERS BY REGION Our highlights from 2023-24 | 5

Our year in numbers 400+

member universities in 40 countries

50+ grants awarded

18

Climate Cohort Fellows supported, involving 18 institutions and 10 Commonwealth countries

4

new programmes launched, including in food security and the Blue Economy

Ambassadors in

64%

of members

24

79%

QECS Scholars on award

of members would highly recommend the ACU rating at least 8 out of 10 (source: ACU Membership Survey 2024)

6 | Our highlights from 2023-24 OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

2,828

individual members in our thematic networks

73%

of members in ACU networks and communities

118

OCPP Scholars on award

654

new CSC Scholars and Fellows took up awards in the period

1,785

Commonwealth (CSC) Scholars and Fellows on award from 37 countries

791

new Scholarships and Fellowships supported

65+

94

media articles generated with an estimated media reach of over 1 billion (source: Signal AI)

member campuses visited

by ACU staff

1,000+ attendees at ACU events and webinars

OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS Our highlights from 2023-24 | 7

Supporting Commonwealth universities ACU member universities are a vibrant global community with a shared commitment to building a better world through international collaboration in higher education.

Our unique networks, events, programmes and research opportunities enable our members to build capacity as they connect with, and learn from, their colleagues around the world.

Our grants, fellowships and scholarships enable university staff and students to pursue academic research, build global partnerships, and access life-changing learning opportunities.

This year we continued to lead and manage a range of innovative projects and platforms that connect universities across borders to help meet demand, enable vital research, and strengthen higher education systems across the Commonwealth.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities’ unwavering commitment to advancing higher education across the Commonwealth has been exemplary. For decades, the ACU has been a beacon of excellence, fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity among institutions of higher learning within our diverse community of nations. The ACU’s tireless efforts in promoting academic cooperation, supporting research, and advocating for equitable access to education has enriched the higher education landscape.

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC 6th Commonwealth Secretary General (2016–24)

8 | Our highlights from 2023-24 SUPPORTING COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES

What our members say From March-April 2024, the ACU carried out a comprehensive membership survey, gathering over 700 individual responses, from over 230 institutions. This covered over 50% of our entire membership.

Key findings included: • 79% of respondents would highly recommend the ACU, rating it at least 8 on a scale from 1-10. 89% of respondents reported that ‘accessing ACU grants or fellowships’ was ‘very important’ for their institutions.

• 75% of those awarded an ACU grant or fellowship felt that the funding effectively supported their university’s priorities ‘to a great extent.’

• According to survey respondents, the most utilised ACU benefit is ‘applying for ACU grants or fellowships.’

• 77% of respondents classed ‘participating or delivering capacity strengthening programmes or projects’ as ‘very important’.

• 69% responded that it was ‘very important’ for the ‘ACU to be an influential voice for universities in international forums (such as the Commonwealth and UN) ’.

Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning Expanding access to blended learning in East and West Africa To date, we have partnered with 32 universities across East and West Africa to deliver the Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL) programme, supporting academics and over 11,000 students to access blended learning modules. Two programmes were designed, one in East Africa and one in West Africa, in response to the challenges reported by a number of African universities in meeting demand for higher education as a result of academic staff shortages and soaring student numbers.

PEBL programmes aim to rapidly and sustainably scale-up capacity in the design and use of blended learning – a combination

SUPPORTING COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES Our highlights from 2023-24 | 9

of face-to-face and digital learning – through expert-led training, collaboration, and the development of quality assured, creditbearing blended courses that can be shared between institutions.

PEBL West Africa (PEBL WA) began in September 2021, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is working with 12 university partners in Ghana and Nigeria to build sustainable capacity for blended learning.

An external evaluation, conducted by INASP, was carried out this year ahead of the project coming to an end in August 2024. A number of key findings from the report highlight the case for investment in blended learning: • Blended learning is better for students, teachers, and universities, enabling diversity of courses and increased student numbers without compromising quality.

• The programme significantly enhanced flexibility and quality for students.

• PEBL has led to changes in capacity, practice, and policy, making interactive and multimedia teaching standard practice at some of the participating universities.

• The PEBL-WA model is sustainable and replicable, demonstrated by increased

productivity and the adoption of blended learning policies, such as at AE-FUNAI in Nigeria.

Equitable Research Partnerships Toolkit In 2023, we launched the Equitable Research Partnerships Toolkit, to support the creation and advancement of fairer north-south and south-south research relationships in the higher education research landscape. We also ran a series of masterclasses inviting members to learn why, when, and how to use specific tools and put them to the test.

Roster of Experts We regularly develop innovative programmes with academic and professional services staff from our network of over 400 member universities across more than 40 countries.

The Roster of Experts was launched this year with the aim to give academic staff in member institutions the opportunity to advance their career and contribute to new and exciting projects and programmes.

Since its launch this year, 757 academics joined the Roster, who can speak to a wide range of topics and subject areas including agriculture and food security, climate change, global public health, and more.

Other than being a knowledgeable and confident much-sought-after trainer, I have learnt about many possibilities in instructional content development and facilitation. I have become a better facilitator and trainer but most importantly, I have become a 21st century educator with several networks to tag and collaborate with, to enhance learners’ experiences and outcomes.’

Dr Elizabeth Mwaniki PEBL East Africa trainer and participant, Kenyatta University

10 | Our highlights from 2023-24 SUPPORTING COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITIES

Building a greener, fairer world As we face increasing climate concerns, Commonwealth universities are spearheading critical research and technological innovation, facilitating and disseminating essential learning, teaching the next generation of climate experts, supporting wider communities with outreach programmes, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and more. Together with our partners and members, we manage and support programmes that drive climate action, and strengthen our members’ capacity for education, research, and innovation.

BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD Our highlights from 2023-24 | 11

Supporting climate research

Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort Funded by the British Council, the ACU’s Climate Cohort programme is designed to support a pipeline of early career researchers from Commonwealth countries, with the capacity to contribute to climate action research. With a focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation, an applied training programme supports these researchers to co-create a research project with the active participation of policy and/or practice stakeholders.

• This year, 18 Fellows have participated in a 12-month hybrid learning and development programme focused on research cocreation and grant writing for climate change research, involving 18 institutions, and 5 workshops.

• A total of 10 countries participated: Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the UK. • 4 research proposals, involving 10 Fellows, have been received via the programme to be delivered in 2024-25.

• The programme has funded attendance of Fellows at 13 climate action conferences and events.

The Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort has been a transformative platform for nurturing passion and excellence in climate research. My career and research interests have been profoundly shaped by what I proudly call ‘the CFCRC Advantage.’ It is a rare and invaluable opportunity for climate and environment researchers to drive impactful change.

Dr Eric Boachie-Yiadom Senior Lecturer, Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra and 2021 Climate Research Cohort Fellow

12 | Our highlights from 2023-24 BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD

Climate-U In October 2023, we hosted the Climate-U ‘Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate: The International Forum on Higher Education and the Climate Crisis’ celebratory event, showcasing and discussing the findings of the four-year Global Challenges Research Fund project.

15 higher education institutions in Brazil, Fiji, Kenya, India, Indonesia, and Tanzania developed participatory action research that brought together local communities with universities to address climate change. Over 100 international guests attended the event, among them the Fijian Minister of Education and representatives from the regional research teams.

COP28 In November 2023, we joined the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai to profile the vital role that universities play in delivering climate action.

Highlights included:

• Hosting an official side event in the Blue Zone together with YOUNGO - the official youth constituency at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The event explored the opportunities provided by north-south university collaboration on climate change, as well as some of the challenges and potential pitfalls – including issues around equitability, fairness and protection of knowledge and innovation.

• Co-organising and moderating an official side event exploring the role of educators, institutions and policymakers in scaling youth-led entrepreneurship and innovation for achieving the SDGs. Climate action through skills development and lifelong learning, access to finance and mentorship, academic partnerships, technology and innovation, and policy frameworks were discussed.

• Our Secretary General, Prof Colin Riordan hosted a roundtable on sustainable urbanisation with university leaders and scholars at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai Campus, attended by His Majesty King Charles III, the ACU’s Patron.

BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD Our highlights from 2023-24 | 13

Supporting Blue Economy and sustainable seas Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarships The Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) Scholarships were launched in September 2022. Funded through the UK’s Blue Planet Fund, the programme creates unique opportunities for students to undertake a fully-funded Master’s or PhD programme in marine science. There are currently 118 OCPP Scholars on award (with three scholars due to start later in the year).

The ACU has been appointed to design and deliver the OCPP Scholarships on behalf of the OCPP Programme. The OCPP is delivered by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Following a successful pilot cycle, in 2023–24 Master’s scholarships were extended to students from 10 different countries: Bangladesh, Belize, Ghana, India, the Maldives, Mozambique, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu.

The set-up and delivery of the scholarship programmes spanned three languages for students at 11 different universities.

In the reporting period, preparations were also underway for the launch of the OCPP Scholarships Training Programme, a bespoke online training initiative to enhance the professional development of OCPP Scholars, co-developed with INASP.

Indigenous knowledge plays a critical role in enabling resilience and facilitating climate change adaptation for coastal communities in Vanuatu. The OCPP Scholarships enable our member countries in the South West Pacific to dig deep into the local level research that touches the hearts of those who are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

Allan Rarai OCPP Scholarships South Pacific PhD candidate

14 | Our highlights from 2023-24 BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD

UN 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States In May 2024, we attended the UN 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Antigua and Barbuda, at which the Centre of Excellence for

Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), a collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the University of the West Indies, and the ACU was formally launched. The Centre will boost marine science and Blue Economy research, training, and development across the Caribbean.

COBE has significant potential as a mechanism for harnessing education and research to support the region’s efforts to transition to a sustainable Blue Economy, and will enable us to learn from each other and collaborate towards addressing our shared ocean challenges in the Caribbean and beyond. As one of the largest university networks in the world, with many members from island states on the frontline of climate change, the ACU is uniquely placed to convene university partners from across the Commonwealth in support of this ambition.

Dr Branson Belle UWI’s Director of the COBE

BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD Our highlights from 2023-24 | 15

Advancing global food security

CEA FIRST Project In December 2023, we successfully secured funding from UK Research and Innovation via the Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension scheme to participate in the Horizon Europe funded CEA FIRST Project (Consortium Europe Africa on Research and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation).

The project brings together 22 partners from Europe and Africa, covering a wide range of expertise and stakeholders (research, NGOs, donors, extension workers) involved in the field of food and nutritional security and sustainable agriculture. Together with the South African Agricultural Research Council (ARC) we are leading CEA-FIRST monitoring and evaluation and are tasked with establishing cascading MEL frameworks, data collection and analysis systems that enable the International Research Consortium (IRC) to monitor and evaluate the progress of the FNSSA Partnership and the IRC’s impact on its membership.

StEPPFoS From January 2024-December 2027, we will be involved in the StEPPFoS (Strengthening Evidence-Based Policy Practice for Sustainable Food Systems) under the EU-AU Partnership project, with seventeen other research institutes and organisations in Europe and Africa. The project is also financed through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Horizon Europe Guarantee Extension scheme and

aims to strengthen the evidence base of agriculture and food systems policies within the Africa-Europe partnership. The ACU will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation as well as impact analysis of the project.

RESNET In January 2024 we partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN to pilot the creation of a research network (RESNET) focused on global agrifood system transformation. The vision for RESNET is a global platform designed to facilitate south-south and Triangular Cooperation on agri-food system research.

Triangular Cooperation involves southerndriven partnerships between two or more developing countries supported by a developed country(ies)/or multilateral organisation(s) to implement development cooperation programmes and projects.

The aim is to stimulate learning, problemsolving and co-production of knowledge in this area. The programme will involve bringing universities and cross-disciplinary academics together, as well as research centres and relevant bodies from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

16 | Our highlights from 2023-24 BUILDING A GREENER, FAIRER WORLD

Representing higher education on the world stage We provide an influential voice for universities in international policy forums and work to ensure that our members’ needs are at the forefront of education policy and decision-making.

We are the sole body representing higher education at key international forums including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM).

We bring awareness to the needs of universities throughout the Commonwealth and champion the transformative impact that the higher education sector can have on sustainable development.

Higher Education Taskforce In February 2024, together with the Commonwealth Secretariat, we launched the Higher Education Taskforce, a group made up of Commonwealth university vicechancellors that will support Commonwealth member states to realise the education policy commitments made at the 21st Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in Kenya in 2022 and drive forward policy implementation.

Higher education is at the heart of the common good.

Bill Ramell former UK Higher Education Minister and President of Zoom Abroad, delivering the keynote address at the ACU Vice-Chancellor Summit 2024

REPRESENTING HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE WORLD STAGE Our highlights from 2023-24 | 17

The Taskforce is focused on five thematic areas: funding and finance, access and inclusion in higher education, sustainable and inclusive research ecosystems, digital access, and developing future-ready graduates. Focusing on these themes, the ACU will work with ministerial groups to support member states in these areas through practical action such as developing recommendations, formulating policy and research insight, sharing good practice and advocating for the adoption of policy recommendations.

ACU Vice-Chancellor Summit and evening reception On 15 May 2024 we hosted a Vice-Chancellor Summit and an evening reception in the fringes of the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) in London. Over the course of the day, 100 distinguished guests from more than 20 countries across our network attended the event, including member vice-chancellors,

Commonwealth ministers of education, and higher education stakeholders. Topics explored included finance and funding in higher education, graduate employability and skills, fostering excellence in research management, and artificial intelligence in higher education.

22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) Outcomes from the multiple policy dialogues that ran throughout the ACU Vice-Chancellor Summit fed directly into the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) meeting, which took place in London in May 2024. We attended 22CCEM to address education ministers, sharing many of the insights gathered from the Summit and key policy recommendations developed by the Higher Education Taskforce. We were invited to present flagship initiatives highlighting higher education across the Commonwealth.

18 | Our highlights from 2023-24 REPRESENTING HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE WORLD STAGE

Five thematic areas

Funding & Finance

Sustainable & Inclusive Research Ecosystems

Access & Inclusion in Higher Education

Digital Access

Developing Future-Ready Graduates

Our Secretary General Professor Colin Riordan updated ministers on the work of the Higher Education Taskforce, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and called for sustainable finance and funding in higher education.

Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Chair of Council and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, delivered a speech calling on education ministers at 22CCEM to enhance access and graduate outcomes for students through investment in the ACU Partnership for Enhanced and Blended Learning (PEBL) Programme.

REPRESENTING HIGHER EDUCATION ON THE WORLD STAGE Our highlights from 2023-24 | 19

International mobility We are committed to delivering educational opportunities that make a positive and lasting difference. One of the ways we do this is through the management of world-class international scholarship schemes that build enduring international connections and understanding between individuals, institutions, and nations.

In 2023–24, we managed the UK government’s Commonwealth Scholarships, as well as the ACU-led Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships and the Ocean Country Partnership Programme Scholarships. We continue to be custodians of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and a lead delivery partner in the Turing Scheme.

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer opportunities to study for a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle income Commonwealth country. Funded by Commonwealth governments, the scholarships are aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities. Highlights from 2023–24 include:

The various programmes, exchanges and initiatives that the ACU provide facilitate meaningful partnerships and cross-cultural connections, ultimately empowering scholars and students alike to address global challenges and drive positive change. Because of the work of the ACU, the quality of education across the Commonwealth has been elevated and a generation of future leaders have been inspired to commit to making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC 6th Commonwealth Secretary General (2016–24)

20 | Our highlights from 2023-24 INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

• There are currently 24 QECS Scholars studying across 17 institutions and 13 Commonwealth countries, with subject areas ranging from public health to youth, gender and development.

• Current host countries include Bangladesh, Eswatini, Fiji, Ghana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uganda. Scholars’ home countries include Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

• In October 2023, QECS Scholars took part in the University of Manchester’s ‘Creating a Sustainable World’ course for a third consecutive year. The course brought together students from different academic disciplines to devise practical solutions to global challenges.

CASE STUDY ‘The scholarship experience enriched my understanding of global interconnectedness and the role of education in fostering development.

It also highlighted the potential for mutual learning and collaboration between Kenya and Mauritius, enhancing my commitment to driving educational and technological advancements in my own community [...] One of my main achievements was developing an e-Learning project framework for smallscale student and non-student farmers in Kenya, which led to my recruitment by the Change.org Foundation as a training coordinator.’

Ajra Mohamed, who hails from Mombasa, received a Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship to complete a Master’s in Software Project Management at the University of Mauritius

INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY Our highlights from 2023-24 | 21

Commonwealth Scholarships in the UK The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) is the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. Sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and managed by the ACU, the CSC combines sustainable development with UK national interests by supporting innovators and leaders of the future from across the Commonwealth and attracting outstanding talent to Britain’s universities.

The Commission funded 654 new scholarships and fellowships this year. 1,785 Scholars and Fellows from 37 countries were on award in total, studying or registered at 99 UK universities and 16 UK organisations. CSC applications were open to citizens from all Commonwealth countries during this period.

Turing Scheme The Turing Scheme is the UK’s global programme for studying, working, and living abroad. In 2023–24, the ACU continued to lead the assessment of grant applications for outward mobility funding for schools, further education/vocational education and higher education institutions. The ACU recruited and trained a team of Assessors and Senior Assessors from across the UK education and training sectors.

The ACU assessed a total of 724 applications from the schools, FE/VET and HE sectors from the UK and British Overseas Territories within a six-week assessment window, scoring and providing written feedback for each application. In addition, the team assessed appeals from unsuccessful applicants and made recommendations based on evidence provided.

CASE STUDY Dr Deborah Ruth Amulen is a Commonwealth Split-Site Scholar who graduated in 2017 with a PhD in Applied Biological Science. During her PhD, she spent a year conducting research at Bangor University, an opportunity afforded to her by the Commonwealth Scholarship. She went on to be awarded the prestigious African Research Leadership Award, which enabled her to acquire a post-doctoral fellowship from Michigan State University. She has since returned to her home country of Uganda, where she is a leading voice in the field of insect research and development. She works as a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University in the Department of Livestock and Industrial Resources, where she leads a team studying insect and pollinator protection.

‘ [It] opened a lot of doors for me as a woman [...] it was a stepping stone to many opportunities for me. I am taken as an opinion leader, and I have so far sat in several national conferences within the country. To the extent that I’m the one who prepared the national policy brief on the effect of agrochemicals on bees during World Bee Day 2023 presented to the minister to protect bees from excessive agrochemical use. I also develop technical briefs and share those with the Ministry of Agriculture staff on insects. So I think I gained a lot of respect in that sector.’

Source: CSC website https://bit.ly/3Z6uiob

22 | Our highlights from 2023-24 INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY

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