CUC welcomes Shadow Universities and Skills Minister
Friday, 18 December 2009
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The Combined Universities in Cornwall partnership showcased its pivotal role in transforming Cornwall's economy when it hosted David Willetts MP, Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills last week.
David Willetts MP began his day by meeting the CUC delegation at the Knowledge Spa in Truro. Chaired by Professor Wendy Purcell, University of Plymouth Vice-Chancellor and newly appointed Chair of the CUC Steering Group, the CUC partners highlighted to the Minister the success of the partnership and its role in raising the aspirations of local people and stimulating economic growth in the county.
Professor Wendy Purcell said; "We demonstrated how this unique partnership has the potential to effect real change for the people of Cornwall and build a lasting legacy."
"By harnessing our individual strengths, we will further collaborative research, promote knowledge exchange and widening participation activities, to ensure HE is developed in a way that benefits the region's people and businesses."
Following a tour of the Knowledge Spa facilities and discussion of future plans for the Peninsula Medical School, the Shadow Minister visited the Tremough campus to meet University of Exeter and Plymouth academics and businesses involved in the Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE). This innovative, multimillion pound project demonstrates how research excellence is leading the development of a new green economy and being translated into commercial opportunity in the region. The Shadow Minister was also shown how businesses are drawing on the specialist expertise and equipment in University College Falmouth's Design Centre to prototype new products. David Willetts MP then visited Cornwall College Camborne to hear how close business involvement is preparing students on the Renewable Energy Technologies foundation degree for careers in this growing industry.
The visit ended in Newquay, where the Shadow Minister was informed of the unique partnership between Treviglas Community College and the University of Plymouth before meeting staff and students at Cornwall College Newquay.
During his visit, David Willetts MP will also briefed on developments at Truro & Penwith College, which is undertaking a major redevelopment of its Penzance campus, bringing new opportunities to the far west of the county.
Combined Universities in Cornwall is a partnership of six institutions, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, University College Falmouth, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cornwall College and Truro and Penwith College.
Ends
Notes to editors
The CUC initiative has received investment from the Convergence Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. CUC has previously received investment from the Objective One Programme.
For further information contact David Kirk, Combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Manager on 01209 721075 / 07834676942 or email david.kirk@cuc.ac.uk
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