Mobility Initiative
Context for Mobility Initiative
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University on 22 January 2024 states: The Parties agree to co-operate with each other in an amicable manner with a view to achieving the successful operation of this Memorandum. Both universities are committed to furthering the objectives of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection, and mutual understanding to ensure continued peace and a sustainable future for everyone on this island. This collaboration aims to foster synergy and promote mutually beneficial activities for the regional multi-campus universities.
The MOU objectives and scope of co-operation are detailed as:
The Parties shall initiate discussions between them and explore areas of co-operation for their mutual benefit in relation to the following:
- Exchange of faculty members and technical staff for teaching and research activities, including the potential appointment of joint professorships Student mobility – field trips, shared use of facilities, collaborative projects.
- Development of new academic programme initiatives including collaborative provision and joint awards.
- Development of various student programmes.
- Cultural exchange activities.
- Research and consultancy collaboration.
- Co-hosting academic conferences.
Mobility initiative details
This mobility initiative was developed through the ATU – UU Strategic Partnership Steering Group to facilitate closer cross-border collaboration between ATU and UU, specifically to support both staff and student mobility.
This mobility scheme is open to all staff, academic and professional staff, in both ATU and UU. Three broad areas of activity have been identified:
- Exploratory mutual staff visits to acquire a better understanding of ongoing activities and develop potential areas for future collaboration/funding bids. This might include seminars and small conferences.
- Student mobility – field trips, shared use of facilities, collaborative projects.
- Staff mobility for larger scale collaborative projects, e.g. research activity, engagement with external stakeholders; programme development, joint administration initiatives. This might also include seminars and conferences.
Expected outcomes:
- Greater collaboration and success in external research funding bids (e.g. Horizon Europe)
- Access to each other’s facilities on a project-by-project basis
- Cross-border collaboration in the areas of:
- Enhanced learner pathways between ATU and UU
- New programme development including shared and joint awards
- Collaborative approach to addressing skills gaps across the region
Guidance on completing the attached application form:
- This initial pilot will provide for grants up to a maximum of €5,000 [£4,000] and will see more than 20 mobility projects funded in the 2025/26 academic year.
- Project proposals should align with the objectives of the MoU and the principles governing this strategic alliance
- Projects must be jointly delivered with a clearly identified lead
- Project proposals may include other partners provided there is a clearly identified benefit for including them in the project proposal
- Funding allocation will be on a competitive basis
- Each bid must be led by a member of staff from either ATU or UU
- All bids must have named collaborators in both ATU and UU and must involve strong engagement from both universities
- Funding will ensure reciprocity/balanced mobility – in its totality the fund aims to benefit staff and students from both universities equally
- Normal Travel and Subsistence rates from each university will apply
- All proposals will be evaluated by an agreed panel from both universities
Please find application form here . Kindly return completed form to:
ATU Applications
Mr Paul Hannigan, Head of College ATU Donegal, VP for Cross-border Collaboration
UU Applications
Prof. Malachy O’Neill, Director for Regional Engagement, Ulster University