July 2, 2018
In Paris today, the Group of Eight (Go8) set out its intention to develop a two-way research mobility program with France.
Witnessed by Australia’s Governor General His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), the letter of intent was signed by Go8 Chair, Professor Ian Jacobs who is Vice Chancellor of UNSW Sydney and major French company Airbus. Their signatures join that of His Excellency Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia, who signed the letter last week in Australia.
The intention is to develop a pilot program, based on the Nicolas Baudin internship in France initiative launched in 2017, that will target the Defence sector. It will ideally allow Go8 research students the opportunity to work within French universities in close collaboration with Airbus. The program would offer similar opportunities for French students in Australia.
“The Go8, which represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, is extremely pleased to have secured such strong interest in developing an agreement.
“Our aim is to deliver our research students industrial research experience in France,” said Vicki Thomson, Go8 Chief Executive. “It is also aimed at developing deeper research collaborations between participating companies in both countries.”
Ms Thomson said that the enthusiasm of Airbus to be the first company to host any pilot program was exemplary. “We appreciate the Airbus faith in the quality of Go8 students, and we are sure of achieving positive outcomes,” she said. “We are also positive other companies will join Airbus in supporting the program.”
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
