Business

Published 27.11.08

The University of Brighton has signed an innovative agreement with one of the world's largest banks, Banco Santander, to provide support for the university's future students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

The partnership is forged with the Santander Universities Global Division, part of the structure of the bank that coordinates its activities alongside universities and university students worldwide. Banco Santander currently has 700 agreements in operation to collaborate and cooperate directly with universities in the Americas, China, Morocco, Portugal, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom.

In the UK, Brighton has become the thirtieth university invited to join the pioneering scheme, which is led by Abbey National plc, Banco Santander's UK subsidiary.

With an agreement focusing on international exchange, entrepreneurial activities and the mobility of students and researchers within the network, Santander Universities Global Division will fund a number of initiatives at the university. This includes awarding five scholarships to students from Iberamerican and Iberian Peninsula countries and providing opportunities for university staff and students to travel to these geographical areas. The funding will also provide awards for academic excellence and support of business and research projects.

Professor Julian Crampton, University of Brighton Vice-Chancellor (pictured above on the left with Luis Juste), said: "I am delighted about our partnership with Abbey and Santander. The University of Brighton has students and collaborative partnerships all over the world and Santander can help us extend that network and reach even more people who can benefit from our provision. This agreement will strengthen our international links, create new opportunities for our students and staff and provide tangible academic and cultural benefits."

Since 1996, through 'Santander Universities', almost half a billion euros has been distributed and over 700 universities worldwide have been supported in areas such as teaching and research, international cooperation, knowledge and technology transfer, entrepreneurial initiatives, student mobility and innovation. 'Santander Universities' was introduced in the UK in 2007 through Abbey National plc.

Luis Juste, Santander Universities Director in the UK, said: "This long-term partnership with the University of Brighton is a significant step for 'Santander Universities' groundbreaking programme in the UK. We look forward to working together in promoting international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge in Brighton's areas of expertise, and contribute to enhancing the university's excellent work for the community.”