{"id":7796,"date":"2025-11-14T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/?p=7796"},"modified":"2025-11-14T11:16:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T11:16:00","slug":"strengthening-higher-education-systems-through-uk-mexico-collaboration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/strengthening-higher-education-systems-through-uk-mexico-collaboration\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening Higher Education systems through UK-Mexico collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UWE Bristol is leading a new international partnership with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.utsaltillo.edu.mx\">Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica de Saltillo (UTS)<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seducoahuila.gob.mx\/\">Secretar\u00eda de Educaci\u00f3n de Coahuila (SEDUC)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.upra.mx\/\">Universidad Politecnica de Ramos Arizpe (UPRA)<\/a> Mexico, under the <strong>British Council\u2019s HE Connects 2025 programme<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project, titled <em>\u201cStrengthening systems to improve the quality and efficiency of Higher Education Institutions in Coahuila, Mexico,\u201d<\/em> aims to build institutional capacity, enhance educational quality, and foster inclusive international collaboration across the higher education sector. This partnership is developed on the previous project \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/research\/centres-and-groups\/caber\/research-projects\/improving-soft-skills\">Improving soft skills, learning outcomes and employability of women students, graduates, and early career professionals in STEM\u201d<\/a> and existing relationship with the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/uwe-academic-attended-leading-government-events-in-mexico\/\">State of Coahuila (government) in Mexico<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building capacity for quality and internationalisation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Led by<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/people.uwe.ac.uk\/Person\/TariqUmar\">Dr Tariq Umar<\/a> (Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture and Environment, UWE Bristol), this initiative will co-create frameworks and tools to strengthen institutional governance, curriculum quality, and international engagement. Working closely with Mexican partners, the project will develop a <strong>strategic institutional toolkit<\/strong> &#8211; a bilingual resource that supports higher education institutions in Coahuila to benchmark and plan improvements in teaching, management, and global collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over 2026, the project will deliver a series of collaborative activities, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Institutional self-assessment workshops<\/strong> to identify capacity gaps in quality assurance and governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic toolkit co-development labs<\/strong> to design internationalisation and improvement frameworks tailored to local contexts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Capacity-building training<\/strong> for academic and administrative staff focused on curriculum, leadership, and quality enhancement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>UK\u2013Mexico Policy Dialogue Forum<\/strong> bringing together higher education leaders and policymakers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>final dissemination event<\/strong> to share outcomes and best practices with wider academic communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Supporting sustainable and inclusive higher education<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project contributes to several <a href=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/goals\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/goals\">UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/a>, particularly <strong>SDG 4 (Quality Education)<\/strong>, <strong>SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)<\/strong>, and <strong>SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)<\/strong>. Through inclusive participation and gender-responsive design, the collaboration will promote equitable access to international opportunities, leadership development for women in academia, and sustainable education models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7797 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture1.jpg 345w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 345px) 85vw, 345px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dr Umar<\/strong> explains: \u201cThis partnership is about more than system strengthening &#8211; it\u2019s about mutual learning and shared innovation. By working alongside our Mexican colleagues, we aim to co-create practical tools that foster inclusion, sustainability, and quality improvement across the higher education sector.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"345\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7803 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture2-1.jpg 345w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture2-1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 345px) 85vw, 345px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Mexico, <strong>Dr Yolanda Sober\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong>, Director of Liaison (Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica de Saltillo), added: \u201cFor us, this collaboration represents an opportunity to transform institutional practices through shared knowledge and joint development. Working with UWE Bristol and the British Council enables us to strengthen our systems and open new pathways for international engagement that directly benefit our students, staff, and regional communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Enhancing UWE Bristol\u2019s international engagement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For UWE Bristol, this initiative represents a strategic step in deepening engagement with Latin America. It aligns with the UWE Bristol&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/research\/our-research-strategy\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.uwe.ac.uk\/research\/our-research-strategy\">Transforming Futures agenda<\/a>, expanding its global network and advancing transnational education (TNE) initiatives. The School of Architecture and Environment will particularly benefit from new opportunities to integrate global perspectives into teaching, research, and professional practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expected outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>co-developed institutional toolkit<\/strong> for quality and internationalisation, applicable across global partnerships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Policy recommendations<\/strong> to support education reform in Coahuila and beyond.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Formal collaboration agreements (MoUs)<\/strong> establishing the foundation for joint programmes, staff exchanges, and research projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A shared roadmap for transformation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The partnership underscores the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in achieving systemic educational improvement. By combining UWE Bristol\u2019s expertise in higher education quality and governance with the contextual knowledge of Mexican partners, the project will create a scalable model for international partnership and capacity development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"306\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7807 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture3.jpg 306w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture3-267x300.jpg 267w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 306px) 85vw, 306px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe collaboration with Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica de Saltillo, SEDUC and UPRA exemplifies the power of partnership in advancing inclusive and globally connected higher education,\u201d said <strong>Matthew Jones<\/strong>, Dean and Head of School of Architecture and Environment (UWE Bristol). \u201cThis initiative strengthens UWE\u2019s commitment to fostering innovation and impact through international engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"149\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7806 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Arturo Mendoza<\/strong>, Head of Higher Education (British Council, Mexico), commented: \u201cThrough HE Connects 2025, we are proud to support collaborations that enhance educational quality and create sustainable partnerships between the UK and Mexico. The UWE\u2013UTS partnership demonstrates how international cooperation can lead to meaningful institutional reform and greater opportunities for students and educators alike.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:21% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"345\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7813 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture5.jpg 345w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture5-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/11\/Picture5-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 345px) 85vw, 345px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>M\u00f3nica Angulo Mi\u00f1arro<\/strong>, Project Manager for Higher Education (British Council, Mexico), added: \u201cThis project showcases the best of the HE Connects programme\u2014co-creation, inclusivity, and long-term impact. It will help institutions in Coahuila strengthen their systems, improve teaching and governance, and connect more deeply with the global higher education community.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Project detail<\/strong>s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Project Lead:<\/strong> Dr Tariq Umar, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture and Environment (UWE Bristol)<br><br><strong>Partners:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica de Saltillo (UTS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secretar\u00eda de Educaci\u00f3n de Coahuila (SEDUC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Polytechnic University of Ramos Arizpe (UPRA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>COPARMEX Coahuila Sureste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comit\u00e9 de Recursos Humanos Derramadero (Human Resource Committee of Coahuila)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Funding:<\/strong> British Council \u2013 HE Connects 2025 (Going Global Partnerships)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Contact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information, please get in touch with the Project Lead, Dr Tariq Umar (<a href=\"mailto:tariq.umar@uwe.ac.uk\">tariq.umar@uwe.ac.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UWE Bristol is leading a new international partnership with Universidad Tecnol\u00f3gica de Saltillo (UTS) the Secretar\u00eda de Educaci\u00f3n de Coahuila (SEDUC), and Universidad Politecnica de Ramos Arizpe (UPRA) Mexico, under the British Council\u2019s HE Connects 2025 programme. The project, titled \u201cStrengthening systems to improve the quality and efficiency of Higher Education Institutions in Coahuila, Mexico,\u201d &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/strengthening-higher-education-systems-through-uk-mexico-collaboration\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Strengthening Higher Education systems through UK-Mexico collaboration&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88,"featured_media":7831,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":1403,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1509,1403],"tags":[713,1109,964,1510,1513,1511,1512,74,75],"class_list":["post-7796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-projects","tag-british-council","tag-collaboration","tag-inclusive","tag-mexio","tag-seduc","tag-upra","tag-uts","tag-uwe","tag-uwe-bristol"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/88"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7796"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7836,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7796\/revisions\/7836"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.uwe.ac.uk\/research-external-engagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}