“VUT and SUNY Polytechnic Institute partnered to advance global research, academic exchange & innovation, supporting VUT’s internationalisation goals under Strategy 2033+.”
07 October 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
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The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has taken another decisive step towards expanding its global research network through a strategic collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute. The engagement forms part of VUT’s ongoing efforts to advance international partnerships, academic exchange, and collaborative innovation under the pillars of Strategy 2033+.
On 30 September 2025, Dr Speech Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation and Mr Prajesh Bhikha, Acting Manager: Internationalisation, represented the university in a high-level meeting with Dr Wole Soboyejo, President of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Chair of the African Renaissance Institute for Science & Technology (ARIST), in Sandton. The meeting focused on developing structured pathways for research collaboration, academic mobility, and capacity building.
The deliberations explored opportunities for joint research initiatives, educational exchange programmes, and international funding partnerships. Both institutions expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas aligned with sustainable development, technological advancement, and global innovation.
This collaboration underscores VUT’s dedication to positioning itself as a globally engaged institution. By deepening ties with international partners such as SUNY Polytechnic Institute, VUT continues to build an ecosystem that supports transformative research, academic excellence, and meaningful contributions to global knowledge creation.