The University of Leeds has partnered with Cisco, a worldwide technology leader, in order to drive mutual benefit and open up unique opportunities for students and researchers at the University.
The arrangement outlines a number of objectives and a commitment to deliver real value for both parties. Some of the key areas of collaboration include:
- creating opportunities for talented students and graduates
- collaborating on research and innovation opportunities
- using the University of Leeds campus for piloting new technology.
Mutually beneficial relationship
The arrangement aims to deliver mutual benefit. Both organisations will be able to leverage each other's strengths to drive impactful research initiatives, with the aim to create innovative solutions that address real world challenges, with a focus on key sectors including health and healthcare, transport, and education.
Opportunities for students
One of the key objectives is enhancing the opportunities available to our students and graduates. Through close working with Cisco’s Talent Acquisition team, as well as exploring opportunities to fund postgraduate researcher posts and offer placements, the arrangement is committed to providing a platform for our talented student community at Leeds.
Piloting new technologies for a smarter campus
One of the projects that is due to launch is the implementation of Cisco Spaces – a new technology that helps monitor the use of space – in the University’s learning innovation hub, Helix.
The new technology uses sensors in the building and will display data on screens. Cisco Spaces will help the team understand demand for and usage of the Helix space, helping to respond to user needs more effectively.
The technology is also being used in the Newlyn building and will help us to innovate our campus and University spaces. This is part of the wider digital transformation programme at Leeds, and is step closer to Leeds being a digitally connected ‘smart campus’.
An exciting partnership
Dr Martin Stow, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business Engagement at the University of Leeds commented:
“I’m really excited about the possibilities this arrangement brings. We have worked collaboratively with Cisco over a number of years, and this arrangement marks the next chapter in our relationship.
By collaborating with Cisco, we strengthen our commitment to solving real world challenges. This collaboration is not just about knowledge exchange; it's about actively contributing to and shaping the future of technology and its applications.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our community. Cisco is a global organisation that opens up new opportunities for our talented students and researchers to explore diverse career paths.”
Tom Kneen, Business Development Manager, CTO Office, Cisco said:
“Our partnership with the University of Leeds is designed to unlock innovation, especially in the field of digital health and Quantum and support new and emerging talent.
As well as funding research and enabling students to tap into the Cisco skills development programmes and job ecosystem, we are excited to help the University to become a living lab whereby its real estate can even better serve its student population. It’s truly a mutually beneficial relationship.”