University of Manchester signs Texas partnership in twinning deal
The University of Manchester has signed a new university-wide strategic partnership with the University of Texas at Austin.
The partnership paves the way for collaborative research and teaching initiatives between the two world leading universities.
Both universities recognise the importance of global engagement and the shared research expertise across the disciplines, including engineering, nanotechnologies, cancer research, digital humanities, social sciences, and creative industries. The partnership builds on joint research projects already in progress with a view to expanding and fostering new initiatives.
The signing took place at a ‘Meet the Mayors’ event at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs in Austin, Texas, attended by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
He signed the Austin-Manchester ‘Sister Cities’ Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor of Austin, officially forging a friendship between the two cities.
Also in attendance was Manchester City Council leader, Cllr Bev Craig, an alumnus of The University of Manchester.
Prof Angelia Wilson, faculty of humanities associate dean for international, led the delegation from the University of Manchester which included senior academics and leads for business engagement.
The delegation joined other UoM colleagues at the South by Southwest Expo 2025 where it hosted two panels on ‘Second Cities: Culture Beyond the Capital’ and ‘Art Not Evidence: Free Expression on Trial’.
Prof Stephen Flint, associate vice-president international, said: “This new relationship with the University of Texas at Austin will make an impact across all of our faculties. We look forward to driving forward collaborative research and enhanced opportunities for two-way student and staff mobility, as we work together to tackle key global challenges.”
Andy Burnham said: “The new partnership between The University of Manchester and the University of Texas is really exciting and a valuable outcome from Greater Manchester’s visit to Texas.
“Both institutions are powerhouses of innovative research, and contribute a great deal to their regional economies through commercialising start-ups and spin-outs and wider business support.
“Combining their expertise can only lead to significant economic and educational benefits for both places.”
Sonia Feigenbaum, senior vice provost for global engagement and chief international officer at the University of Texas at Austin, said: “By bringing together our expertise across disciplines, this collaboration will spark groundbreaking research and new opportunities for students and faculty on both sides of the Atlantic.”
