UC forges closer connection with the
06 July 2011
Research and education in botanical studies at the University of Canterbury has been enhanced by the signing of an agreement between the University's School of Biological Sciences and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Christchurch City Council General Manager of Public Affairs Lydia Aydon and UC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Town sign an MOU between the University and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Research and education in botanical studies at the University of Canterbury has been enhanced by the signing of an agreement between the University’s School of Biological Sciences and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Staff and students from the School of Biological Sciences, senior management team members, staff from the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and representatives from the Christchurch City Council and Friends of the Botanic Gardens attended the event on campus on 5 July to mark the formalising of an existing strong relationship between the University and the Gardens with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Town said the MOU was an excellent example of the University’s strategic intent to concentrate on major strengths – in this case Biological Sciences.
He thanked Botanic Gardens Curator John Clemens for “forging ahead with activities foreshadowed in the MOU”, illustrating his confidence in the partnership and Professor Paula Jameson Head of School for her leadership.
General Manager of Public Affairs Lydia Aydon, who signed the MOU on behalf of the Christchurch City Council, said the Botanic Gardens was not only “the green heart of our city and a major visitor attraction” but was also a “showcase for plants, biodiversity and academic excellence”.
She said the city’s vision for the Gardens was for it to be “foremost in celebrating and presenting plant diversity” through its collections as well as its education programmes and scientific research.
“Both institutions are dedicated to education, research and scholarship and we expect many mutual benefits from exchanging information and plant material, sharing expertise, facilitating research undertaken in the city and joint research activities including student supervision.”
UC and the Botanic Gardens will form a Joint Scientific Coordinating Committee to plan and promote specific activities, such as developing an interpretative display featuring Biological Sciences for the new Botanic Gardens visitor information and operations centre and developing collections in the Botanic Gardens for use in teaching or research in Biological Sciences.
For more information please contact:
Maria De Cort
Communications Officer
Communications & External Relations
Mobile: +64 27 299 0741
maria.decort@canterbury.ac.nz
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