Harald Mikkelsen receiving a memento from Dr Hassan al-Derham as Esben Lunde Larsen and
Merete Juhl look on.

Qatar University (QU) and VIA University Denmark signed yesterday an agreement aimed at promoting academic excellence and knowledge-sharing as well as strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two institutions.
The agreement was signed by QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham and VIA University president Harald Mikkelsen in the presence of Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science Esben Lunde Larsen, Danish ambassador to Qatar Merete Juhl, QU College of Engineering dean Dr Rashid Alammari, VIA University dean of engineering Dr Lotte Thogersen, Profession School Denmark president Henrik Larsen and ministerial secretary Sune Aastrup Christiansen, as well as QU officials, faculty and staff.
The terms of the agreement include collaboration in teaching, research, development opportunities, and faculty and student exchange. The two institutions will also co-operate in establishing joint engineering programmes, e-learning courses and workshops on project-based learning in the field of engineering.
“In partnering with VIA University, QU is bringing together students, faculty and researchers to exchange experiences and knowledge that will add value to their learning and development,” Dr al-Derham said.
The agreement will serve as a cultural and academic bridge between the two organisations and strengthen long-held ties between Qatar and Denmark.
“It also highlights our stated mission to build partnerships with top universities around the world and advance a culture of shared knowledge, which will engender far-reaching benefits for QU and VIA students in terms of vibrant new experiences and future professional success.”
Mikkelsen said it is great to see two educational institutions with such a track record and innovative methods from two countries so far apart being so similar in thinking and engaging in co-operation across borders. “We at VIA are honoured by the efforts and ambition of QU to start the co-operation. We hope for many prosperous years working together.”
Dr Alammari expressed pleasure at partnering with VIA University to promote academic and research excellence and engage faculty and students on lifelong learning and professional development, which will enhance their skills, knowledge and capabilities towards success. “This shows the ongoing efforts to foster links with local and international institutions and promote higher education and research in line with the national priorities towards a knowledge-based economy.”