Glasgow University to link with Smithsonian Institution

Glasgow University is hailing closer ties with the Smithsonian Institution in the US.

Academics from Glasgow University and the Smithsonian Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Picture: John Devlin

Academics will sign a memorandum of understanding at a ceremony in Washington DC on Friday, which they say will “forge stronger links for the benefit of all”, with more opportunities for students and staff in Scotland and the US.

Glasgow University said the agreement will formally cement a relationship stemming back more than 20 years, which has seen various collaborations including a series of summer teaching schools and access to historic collections.

It comes ahead of the autumn opening of the city’s transformed Kelvin Hall.

The £35 million project will bring together study and teaching areas, museums collections and leisure facilities.

Professor James Conroy, attending the ceremony on behalf of the university, said: “The MoU reinforces the very essence of what Kelvin Hall represents, the transformation of a landmark building through a unique partnership, bringing together under one roof culture, heritage, academia and leisure, while providing a service to the wider community.”

Dr Richard Kurin, from the Smithsonian, said: “This MoU strengthens our ties and anticipates future possibilities that could emerge from the relationship.”

The Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research complex, was established in 1846 with funds from British scientist James Smithson, who left his estate to found “at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”.

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