A delegation from the University of Innsbruck visited Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby near Vancouver, British Columbia, at the end of October 2025 to deepen institutional relations. During the visit, two cooperation agreements were signed, which will enable closer cooperation between the University of Innsbruck and Simon Fraser University in the future, as well as the association of Simon Fraser University with the Aurora Network.
Partnership agreement signed with Simon Fraser University
The delegation's visit, led by Rector Veronika Sexl, served as an opportunity to exchange ideas at management and subject level and to explore future joint activities. Two agreements, which have been prepared and signed in Canada over the past few months, form the official framework for the cooperation that has now been initiated: On the one hand, these are a bilateral "Memorandum of Understanding" to develop and deepen the exchange between the University of Innsbruck and Simon Fraser University (SFU) ; on the other hand, the SFU has been associated with the Aurora network as a "Global Partner" and can from now on be involved in the various network activities. Founded in 2016, the Aurora network brings together eight research-intensive comprehensive universities from all over Europe that place a special focus on the social relevance of their research and teaching activities.
Kick-off for the collaboration
Simon Fraser University is one of Canada's leading research universities committed to an inclusive and sustainable future under the motto "Canada's Engaged University". With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities - Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver - SFU has 10 faculties offering 368 Bachelor's and 149 Master's degree programmes to more than 37,000 students each year.
Rector Veronika Sexl, currently also President of the Aurora Network, emphasises the importance of the agreements: "The strengthening of our relationship with SFU marks an important point in the expansion of our global partner network, both for the University of Innsbruck and Aurora. We not only share common values and visions, but also many points of contact and development opportunities. United in our ambition to build bridges and positively shape social change, we are strengthening transatlantic cooperation in challenging times."
Vice-Rector for Research Gregor Weihs, who has already been cooperating with SFU colleagues in quantum research for several years, also emphasises the importance of the new agreements: "I am very pleased that we have been able to formalise our cooperation with SFU at an overall institutional level. SFU is recognised as an innovation leader in many areas - be it quantum research, supercomputing or sustainability agendas - not only in British Columbia, but across Canada. With our first partner on Canada's Pacific coast, we are also expanding our geographical reach in an exciting and innovative region."
Broad thematic exchange
The visit to the SFU offered the delegation members the opportunity to increase mutual understanding through working meetings, presentations and lectures and to forge new links between the University of Innsbruck and Aurora. For example, Vice-Rector Weihs gave a presentation on the Quantum Science Austria Cluster of Excellence and its research into quantum light sources as part of the Quantum BC seminar. "Quantum BC networks key players in the field of quantum research in British Columbia, with SFU playing a central role. In addition, expert discussions were held in various settings in the humanities in order to identify points of contact for future cooperation, for example in Indigenous Studies. Other thematic focuses were on the areas of teaching and Entrepreneurship, for example on issues such as "AI in Education and Community Service Learning". The delegation also met David Haber, the Austrian Honorary Consul in Vancouver, and held talks with MITACS, a central Canadian national research and innovation organisation that awards scholarships for exchange activities.
SFU expands its network of Canadian partners
With the new agreements, the University of Innsbruck is expanding its network of partner institutions worldwide. Canada - now complemented by the partnership with SFU - is consolidating its role as an important global partner for the university. There are now numerous institutional co-operations with Canadian universities, including McMaster University, the Université de Montréal and the University of Alberta. These partnerships span a range of subject areas and study levels.
