Jan. 28: Research forum advances international collaborations

By Theresa Howlett, Office of International Programs

intl-research-forum-2012--200PULLMAN, Wash. – Strengthening and expanding Washington State University’s international research and innovation activity is the goal of “Beyond International Talk,” 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Lighty 405. Polycom will be provided for the regional and extension campuses.

“Through this forum, faculty will gain a better understanding of opportunities for international research collaborations and information about how they can get involved,” said Jerman Rose, vice provost, interim, international programs (IP). The 2013-14 International Research Travel Awards also will be presented.

For more information, please visit: http://ip.wsu.edu/IP-Research/files/Intl%20Research%20Forum.pdf

To register, please visit: http://www.ogrd.wsu.edu/workshops.asp#362

“As a result of my involvement in last year’s forum, I applied for and was awarded a spot in a science tour of Germany sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD),” said Mingliang Liu, assistant research professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “It was an amazing experience.”

The workshop helped Kawkab Shishani, assistant professor in the College of Nursing in Spokane, “in considering ways of measuring outcomes of any future international activities, in particular publications,” she said.

Building on themes from last year’s workshop, the agenda includes:

• WSU’s strategic plan and priorities for the next five years

• Perspective and support to globalize research and education

• Networking and regional group discussion on China, South Asia, Latin America and Africa

“Through this forum, I always learn new information about the amazing projects our faculty are working on,” said Jane Payumo, international research associate in IP who helped plan a similar event last year. “This helps me identify areas where our office can provide assistance – whether through mining for funding, developing collaborative grants or connecting with partners abroad.”

“The Office of Research is pleased to partner with the Office of International Programs to host this event. Together with our faculty and staff, we will continue to develop programs and activities that will help catalyze a higher level of international engagement in the WSU community,” said Nancy Magnuson, interim vice president for research.

“Facilitating these types of opportunities that assist in integrating faculty activities with WSU’s international priorities is one of IP’s missions,” added Rose.