Ivy League partnership for Glasgow

Glasgow University has forged a formal link with US president Barack Obama's alma mater, in what is thought to be the first partnership of its kind for a Scottish institution.

Ivy League university Columbia, in New York, will work with Glasgow initially on medical research projects, including cardiovascular disease and genetics, but it is hoped collaboration will expand to other areas.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Columbia's principal, Professor Claude Steele, and Glasgow's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anton Muscatelli.

Prof Muscatelli said: "I look forward to the relationship between two of the top 100 universities in the world blossoming in the years to come."

Columbia is one of the world's most prestigious universities. Among its graduates are four US presidents including Mr Obama, and 26 other heads of state.

It also boasts 97 Nobel prize winners from its staff and students, the most of any university in the world.

Both universities now are searching for a human geneticist with expertise in cardiovascular disease for a joint appointment.