Huawei, Griffith University sign R&D pact

Chinese ICT vendor Huawei has entered a research partnership agreement with Queensland's Griffith University.

The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding covering plans to conduct collaborative R&D projects and to allow Griffith undergraduates to travel to China as part of Huawei's annual student exchange program.

It provides for joint applications for research grants and the ability of Huawei to provide an advisory role on industry-linked research programs.

Brisbane Lord Mayer Graham Quirk, who hosted the signing ceremony, said the partnership was the result of Brisbane's status as a sister city to Shenzhen, home of Huawei's headquarters.

"New world cities offer students quality education providers with international partnerships, standards and opportunities, and Brisbane and Shenzhen are no different," he said.

Griffith Pro Vice Chancellor (International) Professor Sarah Todd added that the agreement will allow the university to offer more targeted internships or work experience programs for IT or engineering students.

The agreement with Griffith University marks Huawei's fourth partnership with an Australian university, following similar deals with Macquarie University, RMIT and the University of Melbourne's Institute for a Broadband Enabled Society.

Pictured: Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk watches on as Griffith University Pro-Vice Chancellor Sarah Todd and Huawei CTO Peter Rossi sign MoU.