Officials from West Visayas State University (WVSU) are currently visiting Coventry University in the United Kingdom (UK) from May 19 to 22, 2025, to strengthen academic and research partnerships.
The delegation, led by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, includes Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator of Calinog Campus, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Research, Innovation and Development and Internationalization Coordinator.
The visit is focused on fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and best practices in areas such as research-led teaching and learning, research commercialization, doctoral supervision, and the development of international linkages.
Dr. Dimitar Angelov, Coventry University’s focal person for the WVSU partnership and lead of the “Digital Challenges and Opportunities in Education (including AI)” theme at the Research Centre for Global Learning, welcomed the delegates at Coventry University’s Priory Street campus.
They also engaged in roundtable discussions with Prof. Carolyn Wynne, Director of Coventry University’s Doctoral and Researcher College, and Prof. Marina Orsini-Jones, lead of the “Equity and Equality in Education” theme.
As part of the program, the WVSU delegation will attend a one-day research conference hosted by GLEA. The conference will allow the visitors to present their ongoing research and strengthen WVSU’s global academic presence. Dr. Olapane will discuss indigenous people and WVSU’s initiatives as an emerging research university in the Philippines. Dr. Gabinete will present research-led initiatives aimed at achieving food security, while Dr. Contreras will share insights on biological agents and financial literacy.
The delegates toured several Coventry University facilities, including the Research Centre for Global Learning, the Institute for Creative Cultures, and the National Transport Design Centre (NTDC). The team also explored significant educational and cultural sites in the UK, such as the Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry Cathedral, and local art galleries, with additional visits planned in London.
WVSU and Coventry University formalized their collaboration in 2023 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on research and academic exchange.
This visit represents a significant step in realizing that partnership, aimed at fostering mutual growth and global academic engagement.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
