How the University of Venda Is Collaborating with the University of Sussex on Global Education

The University of Venda recently undertook a strategic visit to the flourished University of Sussex between 23 and 25 October 2025, a leading UK university in Brighton. The purpose of the visit was to deepen academic partnership within global engagement and explore opportunities for collaboration in business education and research. The project was spearheaded by Professor Kanyane, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce, and Law (FMCL), together with Professor Chux Daniels, a world-recognised authority in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy. Prof Daniels, attached to the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex, was appointed Adjunct Professor as part of the collaboration and will be involved in teaching quantitative methods and research methodology, supervising postgraduate students, and promoting strategic aims through staff exchange programmes.

To flag off the visit, the University of Venda delegation was welcomed by the senior officials of the University of Sussex. The welcome was presided over by Prof Robin Banerjee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement & very important persons such as Prof Ingrid Woolard, Executive Dean of Sussex Business School, Prof Geert de Neve, Head of the School of Global Studies, Dr Linda Waldman from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), and Prof Maja Golf-Papez, Director of the MBA Programme.

After the reception, the delegation went off into focused sessions that were conducted by members of the University of Sussex's Business School. One of the most important subjects was the improvement of academic excellence, the establishment of global educational and developmental partnerships, as well as the enrichment of business education through intercultural collaboration. There is a very strong interest in this partnership on the part of the Business School, as it is likely to enable sustained inter-disciplinary collaboration and engagement on global issues facing business and society.

A tour of the School of Global Studies was part of the visit. The school has been ranked number one worldwide for nine consecutive years for Development Studies. Prof Geert de Neve gave a rundown of the school's postgraduate programmes as well as research strengths. One of the most significant moments was a roundtable discussion on widening participation in higher education, where both institutions shared strategies to improve access and inclusion. Furthermore, Dr Linda Waldman engaged in a guided tour of the premises of the IDS. She commented that IDS had again been rated the world's top institution for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Its priorities include broader international research cooperation and mutual learning networks, with the University of Venda identified as a strategic partner in this effort.

At the end of the visit, the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Venda and the University of Sussex occurred, with several joint research activities and staff and student exchanges, shared academic programmes, and an exchange of research findings stipulated in the agreement. The two universities pledged to promote cooperation in education and research, emphasising activities that foster global higher education and development.

This international academic partnership marks the tipping point when UK institutions are becoming increasingly important in cooperation with other higher education institutions around the globe. Cross-cultural academic collaborations have added strength to research efforts, further enriched teaching, and built inclusive learning environments. As the University of Venda and the University of Sussex continue to build and build upon this foundation, the partnership will further serve towards influencing future leaders in business and policy through shared knowledge and mobility programmes.

Editor's Note:

The University of Venda's bilateral collaboration with the University of Sussex represents in timely and remarkable consolidation of an international academic partnership. It is with establishing border-crossing solutions for global challenges that such an initiative is testimony to a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity in education, and research that serves local and international populations alike. What makes the partnership especially unique is the fact that mutual benefit is emphasised in the agreement. It is not just one-sided, as this agreement acknowledges that both institutions have things to contribute in terms of knowledge, expertise, and cultural insight. The appointment of Professor Chux Daniels as Adjunct Professor serves as a very strategic step and symbolises a long-term investment in capacity building and academic leadership. Widening participation in higher education, which is a priority globally, has also been one of the topics brought forward during the visit. With the commitment to open discussion regarding access and inclusion, both universities established that equity should remain at the core of the global agenda for education and development.

These partnerships represent the optimal path forward as the world's most powerful sector navigates shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes. It's important to remember that learning within institutions isn't limited to students: Universities themselves are catalysts for change, capable of shaping and, at times, redirecting policy, practice, and even individuals across global boundaries.

FAQs

1. How is the University of Venda collaborating with the University of Sussex?

The University of Venda has entered into a formal international academic partnership with the University of Sussex, focusing on business education, research collaboration, and staff and student exchange programmes. The partnership was formalised during a strategic visit to Sussex from 23 to 25 October 2025.

2. What was the purpose of the University of Venda’s visit to the University of Sussex?

The visit aimed to strengthen academic partnerships, promote global engagement, and explore collaborative opportunities in business education and international research collaboration.

3. Who led the University of Venda’s delegation to the UK university?

The initiative was led by Professor Kanyane, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, and Professor Chux Daniels, a specialist in Science, Technology and Innovation policy based at the University of Sussex.

4. What role will Professor Chux Daniels play in the partnership?

Professor Daniels has been appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda. He will contribute to teaching quantitative methods and research methodology, supervise postgraduate students, and support strategic goals through staff exchange programmes.

5. What global academic programmes does the University of Sussex offer?

The University of Sussex offers a wide range of postgraduate programmes, particularly in Development Studies, which has been ranked number one globally for nine consecutive years. The university also hosts the Sussex Business School and the School of Global Studies.

6. Where does the University of Sussex rank in global university rankings?

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at Sussex is ranked the world’s top institution for Development Studies for the ninth consecutive year.

7. What were the key outcomes of the visit between the two universities?

The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlining plans for joint research, staff and student exchanges, shared academic programmes, and cooperation in global higher education and development.

8. How do international partnerships strengthen higher education research?

Such partnerships enable universities to share expertise, expand research networks, and address global challenges collaboratively. They also promote innovation in teaching and learning through cross-cultural academic collaborations.

9. What are the benefits of cross-cultural academic collaborations for universities?

Cross-cultural collaborations foster inclusive learning environments, enhance global perspectives, and prepare students to become future leaders in business, policy and development. They also support staff development and institutional growth.

10. What institutions and individuals were involved in the University of Venda’s visit?

Senior representatives from the University of Sussex hosted the delegation, including Prof Robin Banerjee (Pro-Vice-Chancellor), Prof Ingrid Woolard (Sussex Business School), Prof Geert de Neve (School of Global Studies), Dr Linda Waldman (IDS), and Prof Maja Golf-Papez (MBA Programme Director).