内容摘要：Universities function in a globalised world. This involves strong areas of competition such as in the international ranking of each university against others; the drive for high esteem; competition for funding; competition for the best students; and, aspirations for relevance. This competition creates tensions for academics who by their nature are also highly dependent upon their peers for recognition. 

Cooperation across university boundaries as well as across international borders is important for the growth of knowledge. So too is cooperation across disciplines in search of solutions to large scale and multifaceted problems.

Competition is healthy but cooperation is necessary. We need the resources and skills of many specialists to work together on key research problems. We also benefit from international student exchanges as we build understanding and friendships not only between universities but also across cultures. Universities are a positive force for cross-cultural understanding and peace in the world.

In this presentation I will talk about some of the ways that The University of the South Pacific is working to foster international collaboration in research and education and how this collaboration is building cross-cultural understanding  and friendship as well as contributing to development and capacity building within the Pacific Island countries. 

 主讲人介绍：

Professor Derrick Armstrong is Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and International at the University of the South Pacific. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of London together with a Masters and Ph.D. from the University of Lancaster. He also holds a Graduate Certificate awarded by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Prior to coming to USP he held senior management roles at The University of Sydney where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Registrar) (2008-2013); Deputy Provost and Pro-Vice Chancellor Learning and Teaching (2006-2009); and, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work (2005-2008). Before moving to Australia he was Professor at the University of Sheffield in the UK where he co-directed the University Centre for Childhood and Youth and was Director of the national Research Priority Network ‘Pathways Into and Out of Crime’. Between 1996 and 2001 he was Director of the University of Sheffield’s Caribbean Programme, spending a significant time working in that region. In 2013 he was awarded the position of Professor Emeritus at the University of Sydney. Professor Armstrong has published 9 books as well as 150 journal articles and papers.