15 Sample Letters of Collaboration Between Universities

Collaboration between universities is a cornerstone of academic progress, fostering knowledge exchange, research advancements, and student mobility.

These partnerships not only enrich the educational experience but also contribute to solving global challenges.

Sample Letters of Collaboration Between Universities

In this article, we present 15 sample letters that exemplify the diverse ways in which universities can collaborate, from joint research projects to student exchange programs.

These letters serve as a valuable resource for university administrators, faculty members, and students seeking to establish or strengthen collaborative ties with other institutions worldwide.

Letter 1: Joint Research Project Proposal

Subject: Collaborative Research Proposal – Sustainable Energy Solutions

Dear Dr. Nakamura,

The University of California, Berkeley, is excited to propose a joint research project with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, focusing on developing sustainable energy solutions. Our institutions have a shared commitment to addressing climate change and advancing clean energy technologies.

We believe that combining our expertise in renewable energy systems and materials science will lead to groundbreaking discoveries. The proposed project aims to develop high-efficiency solar cells and innovative energy storage solutions, to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy independence.

Our team, led by Professor Sarah Thompson, has extensive experience in photovoltaics and electrochemistry. We would be thrilled to collaborate with your esteemed faculty, particularly Professor Hiroshi Tanaka, whose work on advanced battery technologies is widely recognized.

If this proposal aligns with your institution’s research priorities, we would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss the project in further detail. Please let us know if you have any questions or require additional information.

We look forward to the possibility of working together to create a more sustainable future.

Best regards,

Dr. Michael Chen

Dean,

School of Engineering

University of California, Berkeley

Letter 2: Student Exchange Program Agreement

Subject: Student Exchange Program Agreement – Fall 2024

Dear Professor Dubois,

The University of Sydney is pleased to propose a student exchange agreement with the Sorbonne University for the Fall 2024 semester. We believe that this partnership will provide students from both institutions with invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in different academic and cultural environments.

Under this agreement, we propose to exchange up to five undergraduate students per institution, with a focus on the humanities and social sciences. The selected students will have the opportunity to enroll in courses at the host university, earn transferable credits, and engage in cultural activities and events.

To ensure a smooth exchange process, we suggest the following timeline:

– Student nomination: March 15, 2024

– Application deadline: April 30, 2024

– Acceptance notification: May 31, 2024

– Pre-departure orientation: July 2024

– Exchange period: September to December 2024

The University of Sydney will provide support for incoming exchange students, including assistance with visa applications, housing arrangements, and orientation programs. We kindly request that Sorbonne University offers similar support to our outgoing students.

If the terms of this agreement are acceptable, please sign and return the attached document. We look forward to collaborating with you and providing our students with a transformative international experience.

Warm regards,

Dr. Emily Wilson

Director, International Office University of Sydney

Letter 3: Joint Conference Invitation

Subject: Invitation to Co-host International Conference on Neuroscience

Dear Professor Patel,

The University of Oxford is delighted to invite the Indian Institute of Science to co-host the 10th International Conference on Neuroscience, scheduled for July 15-18, 2025, in Oxford, United Kingdom. This conference brings together leading researchers, scholars, and practitioners from around the world to share cutting-edge findings and discuss emerging trends in neuroscience.

As a renowned institution with a strong neuroscience research program, we believe that the Indian Institute of Science would be an ideal partner for this event. By combining our resources and expertise, we can create a dynamic and engaging conference that showcases the latest advancements in the field.

We propose the following responsibilities for each institution:

– Program committee: Two representatives from each institution

– Keynote speakers: One invited speaker from each institution

– Abstract review: Joint review process with equal representation

– Logistics: The University of Oxford will handle venue arrangements and registration, while the Indian Institute of Science will manage the conference website and promotional materials

If you are interested in this collaboration, please let us know by September 30, 2024, so that we can begin the planning process. We would be honored to have the Indian Institute of Science as our partner in this prestigious event.

Sincerely,

Dr. James Roberts

Chair, Department of Neuroscience University of Oxford

Letter 4: Joint Degree Program Proposal

Subject: Proposal for Joint Master’s Degree in Global Health

Dear Dr. Muller,

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is excited to propose a joint Master’s degree program in Global Health with the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. This collaboration aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global health challenges and equip them with the skills necessary to develop innovative solutions.

The proposed program will combine the strengths of both institutions, offering a curriculum that covers epidemiology, health systems, policy analysis, and research methods. Students will have the opportunity to study at both universities, with the first year spent at Harvard and the second year at Charité.

Key features of the program include:

– Interdisciplinary coursework taught by leading faculty from both institutions

– Fieldwork opportunities in low and middle-income countries

– Collaborative research projects with international partners

– Dual degrees awarded by Harvard and Charité upon completion

We believe that this joint program will attract top students from around the world and prepare them for leadership roles in global health. If this proposal aligns with your institution’s strategic goals, we would be delighted to discuss the details further and develop a formal agreement.

Please let us know your thoughts on this exciting opportunity.

Best regards,

Dr. Susan Lee

Dean for Academic Affairs

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Letter 5: Faculty Exchange Program Proposal

Subject: Faculty Exchange Program Proposal – School of Business

Dear Professor Nakamura,

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to propose a faculty exchange program with the Keio University Graduate School of Business Administration. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research partnerships between our esteemed institutions.

Under this program, we suggest an annual exchange of two faculty members from each institution for one semester. The visiting faculty will have the opportunity to teach courses, engage in research collaborations, and participate in seminars and workshops at the host institution.

We believe that this exchange will provide our faculty with valuable exposure to different academic environments, enhance their teaching and research skills, and facilitate the development of long-term collaborative relationships.

To ensure the success of the program, we propose the following guidelines:

– Eligibility: Tenured or tenure-track faculty members from the business schools of both institutions

– Selection process: Each institution will nominate candidates based on their expertise and alignment with the host institution’s needs

– Funding: Each institution will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for their outgoing faculty members

– Evaluation: Participants will submit a report on their exchange experience, highlighting the benefits and outcomes of the program

If you find this proposal favorable, please let us know, and we can work together to finalize the details and timeline for implementation.

We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with the Keio University Graduate School of Business Administration and strengthening the ties between our institutions.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Kim

Associate Dean for International Programs

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Letter 6: Collaborative Research Grant Application

Subject: Collaborative Research Grant Application – Sustainable Agriculture

Dear Grant Review Committee,

The University of California, Davis, and Wageningen University & Research are pleased to submit a joint application for the Sustainable Agriculture Research Grant offered by the International Foundation for Agricultural Development.

Our proposed research project, titled “Enhancing Crop Resilience through Innovative Breeding Techniques,” aims to develop novel strategies for improving crop adaptability to climate change. By combining our expertise in plant genetics, biotechnology, and agronomy, we seek to create crop varieties that are more resistant to drought, heat stress, and pest infestations.

The project will involve the following key activities:

– Identification of genes associated with stress tolerance in major food crops

– Development of marker-assisted breeding techniques for rapid trait integration

– Field trials in diverse agro-ecological zones to assess the performance of improved varieties

– Capacity building and knowledge dissemination to farmers and agricultural extension workers

The expected outcomes of this research include:

– Enhanced food security and resilience of agricultural systems in the face of climate change

– Increased productivity and income for smallholder farmers in developing countries

– Strengthened collaboration between leading agricultural research institutions

We have assembled a highly qualified team of researchers from both institutions, with complementary skills and experience in the relevant fields. The budget and timeline for the project are detailed in the attached proposal.

We believe that this collaborative research project aligns well with the goals of the Sustainable Agriculture Research Grant and has the potential to make a significant impact on global food security. We appreciate your consideration of our application.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maria Rodriguez

Professor, Department of Plant Sciences

University of California,Davis

Dr. Pieter van der Meer

Associate Professor, Department of Plant Sciences

Wageningen University & Research

Letter 7: Joint Summer School Invitation

Subject: Invitation to Participate in Joint Summer School on Artificial Intelligence

Dear Professor Schneider,

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are excited to invite your institution to participate in our joint summer school on Artificial Intelligence, to be held from July 15 to August 15, 2025, at MIT’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

This intensive five-week program brings together top students and faculty from around the world to explore cutting-edge topics in AI, including machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. Participants will engage in a combination of lectures, workshops, hands-on projects, and research collaborations.

We believe that this summer school provides a unique opportunity for students to learn from leading experts, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and gain practical experience in AI research and application.

We are extending this invitation to a select group of prestigious institutions, and we would be honored to have your students and faculty join us. The program details are as follows:

– Eligibility: Graduate students and early-career researchers in computer science, engineering, and related fields

– Application deadline: March 1, 2025 – Program fees: $5,000 per participant (includes tuition, accommodation, and meals)

– Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available for outstanding applicants from underrepresented backgrounds

If your institution is interested in participating, please nominate up to five students and two faculty members by the application deadline. We will review the applications and notify the selected participants by April 15, 2025.

We look forward to the possibility of welcoming your students and faculty to this exciting summer school and fostering collaboration between our institutions.

Best regards,

Dr. Jennifer Lee

Director, MIT-TUM Joint Summer School on Artificial Intelligence

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Letter 8: Dual Ph.D. Program Agreement

Subject: Agreement for Dual Ph.D. Program in Chemical Engineering

Dear Professor Wang,

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin is pleased to propose a dual Ph.D. program agreement with the School of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University. This collaboration aims to provide doctoral students with a unique opportunity to conduct research and earn degrees from two world-class institutions.

Under this agreement, students will spend a minimum of two years at each institution, working under the joint supervision of faculty advisors from both universities. They will fulfill the academic requirements of both institutions and defend their dissertations before a joint committee.

The key benefits of this dual Ph.D. program include:

– Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources at both institutions

– Exposure to different academic and cultural environments, enhancing students’ global perspectives

– Opportunities for collaborative research projects and co-authorship of publications

– Expanded professional networks and increased employability in academia and industry

To implement this program, we propose the following steps:

– Establishment of a joint admissions committee to review and select qualified applicants

– Development of a coordinated curriculum that meets the requirements of both institutions

– Identification of potential research collaborations and faculty advisors

– Allocation of funding and resources to support student’s research and travel between institutions

If Tsinghua University is interested in pursuing this dual Ph.D. program, we would be delighted to work with you to finalize the details and formalize the agreement. Please let us know your thoughts on this proposal.

We believe that this collaboration will strengthen the ties between our institutions and provide a unique opportunity for our doctoral students to excel in their research and academic careers.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Johnson

Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering

University of Texas at Austin

Letter 9: Joint Online Course Development Proposal

Subject: Proposal for Joint Development of Online Course on Sustainable Urban Planning

Dear Professor Nakamura,

The Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is excited to propose a collaboration with the Department of Urban Engineering at the University of Tokyo to develop a joint online course on Sustainable Urban Planning.

As cities worldwide face increasing challenges related to population growth, climate change, and resource constraints, there is a growing need for innovative approaches to urban planning that prioritize sustainability and resilience. By combining our expertise and resources, we can create a high-quality online course that equips students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and manage sustainable cities.

The proposed course will cover the following topics:

– Principles of sustainable urban design

 – Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions

– Sustainable transportation systems

– Energy-efficient buildings and neighborhoods

– Participatory planning and community engagement

– Case studies of sustainable urban projects from around the world

We envision the course as a 12-week program, with a combination of pre-recorded lectures, live discussion sessions, and collaborative projects. Each institution will contribute faculty members to develop course content, facilitate discussions, and provide feedback on student work.

To ensure the success of this collaboration, we propose the following timeline:

– Course planning and content development: September 2024 – February 2025

 – Pilot run with a select group of students: March-May 2025

– Course refinement based on feedback: June – August 2025

– Official launch of the course: September 2025

If the University of Tokyo is interested in this collaboration, we would be delighted to discuss the details further and develop a formal agreement. We believe that this joint online course will provide a valuable learning experience for students from both institutions and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable urban development.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sarah Johnson

Associate Professor,

Department of Urban Studies and Planning

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Letter 10: Collaborative Book Project Invitation

Subject: Invitation to Contribute to Collaborative Book Project on Global Health Equity

Dear Dr. Patel,

The Harvard Global Health Institute is pleased to invite you to contribute to a collaborative book project titled “Advancing Health Equity: Strategies for Global Action.” This book aims to bring together leading scholars and practitioners from around the world to share their insights and experiences in promoting health equity and addressing health disparities.

We believe that your expertise in community-based health interventions and your work with marginalized populations in India would provide valuable perspectives for this book. We are particularly interested in your insights on the following topics:

– Empowering communities to take ownership of their health

– Addressing social determinants of health through multi-sectoral collaboration

– Scaling up successful community-based health programs

– Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services in resource-limited settings

The book will be edited by Dr. Jennifer Lee, Director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, and published by a leading academic press. Each contributor will be responsible for writing a chapter of approximately 5,000 words, based on their area of expertise.

The timeline for the project is as follows:

– Chapter proposal submission: October 1, 2024

– First draft submission: February 1, 2025

– Peer review and revision process: March – June 2025

– Final manuscript submission: August 1, 2025

– Anticipated publication date: Spring 2026

If you are interested in contributing to this important book project, please submit a brief chapter proposal (500 words) outlining your intended focus and key arguments by the proposal submission deadline. We will review the proposals and notify selected contributors by November 1, 2024.

We believe that this collaborative book project has the potential to make a significant impact on the global health equity agenda, and we would be honored to have you as a contributor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Lee

Director, Harvard Global Health Institute

Harvard University

Letter 11: Joint Symposium Invitation

Subject: Invitation to Participate in Joint Symposium on Renewable Energy Technologies