The Universities of Hull and Lincoln have announced plans to collaborate on a series of key projects along the Humber region.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities will see a partnership focussed on regional opportunities relating to sustainability, energy, innovation, and business support.
The MOU outlines collaborative opportunities such as supporting skills and innovation in the Humber Freeport, supporting offshore renewable energy and decarbonisation in the region.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at an event held at the University of Lincoln, where senior delegates from both universities were in attendance.
Professor Dave Petley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “Universities play a crucial role in developing solutions and opportunities through their research, innovation and enterprise; sparking growth and bringing economic prosperity.
“Our partnership with the University of Lincoln will enable us to provide focused business support and deliver real impact: driving advances in renewable energy and decarbonisation across the Humber.
“As an anchor institution in our region, and a founding partner of the ‘Oh Yes! Net Zero’ campaign we are already working towards uniting Hull and the surrounding region to lead the UK to a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.
“The region’s green energy credentials have enabled us position the Humber as an ideal living lab to develop projects that showcase how the world can develop solutions for a clean growth future.
“As a University, we have an ambitious plan to make our campus carbon neutral by our centenary year in 2027. Our vision to be a research-led, civic university firmly focused on creating a fairer, brighter, carbon-neutral future for all is underpinned by our University strategy built around two themes – sustainability and social justice.
“True sustainability and social justice in the Humber region will be delivered through real projects involving businesses and communities and strong partnerships. I am confident that our partnership with the University of Lincoln will bring significant benefits to local communities and effect change in the region and beyond.”
Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of University of Lincoln, said: “I’m delighted that we are working collaboratively with the University of Hull to ensure our sustainability commitments have regional and global impact.
“This Memorandum of Understanding, signed this evening alongside partners from the University of Hull, highlights how Higher Education institutions can work together for the benefit of their surrounding areas and beyond.
“The Humber Estuary region is currently one of the most concentrated emitters of carbon but is rapidly becoming a major producer of clean energy and decarbonisation, with carbon capture, solar and wind energy all being developed and installed in the area.
“The Net Zero ambition and aims of the project align with the strategic plan and vision of the University of Lincoln to deliver knowledge, capabilities, and skills into industries and organisations that are essential to the region’s prosperity.”
Both the University of Hull and the University of Lincoln now integrate a Net Zero agenda into every aspect of operations including teaching and learning, research, partnerships within industry and in day-to-day estates operations.
Like the University of Hull, the University of Lincoln has made a commitment to a carbon-free future, with its pledge to work to net zero carbon emissions by the year 2040.
