A TRANSATLANTIC partnership between two Worcester universities has seen students working together to improve sustainability.
The 16 students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, have been staying at the University of Worcester for the last seven weeks, working on four community projects to conduct research and develop solutions to real problems.
The projects included Energize Worcester, looking at student housing and boiler controls and behaviour, Repair Café, looking at establishing a repair café specifically in a university setting, Worcester Arts Workshop, helping them and their premises to become more sustainable and Renewable Energy Policy in Wales – comparing renewable energy strategies for countries across Europe.
The partnership between WPI and the University of Worcester is now in its third year and was born out of a twinning visit from Lord Faulkner of Worcester.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability at the University of Worcester, said: “It was a real pleasure to host students and staff from WPI in ‘our’ Worcester. The impact and enthusiasm from the students is a real asset to our communities.
“The teams carried out significant research during their projects which is invaluable. The quality of their work is excellent and all the project’s sponsors were delighted with their findings, and the confidence of their presentations.”
Professor Dominic Golding, from WPI, who accompanied the students on their visit, said: “The students have had a marvellous seven weeks in Worcester and will be sorry to leave. The projects have been great, stretching the students intellectually and encouraging them to get out and about in the community.
“All in all this has been a tremendously successful visit and we look forward to bringing many more teams over in the coming years. I know our students will go back and sing the praises of Worcester, England to all who’ll listen.”
A special event was held at the end of the seven weeks to allow the students to present their research and celebrate their achievements.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]
