The Australian Ambassador to Spain, Her Excellency Ms Sophia McIntyre, said RMIT’s presence in Spain is a tremendous asset for the bilateral relationship.
"It has raised the standing of R&D and innovation links as an important plank of the relationship in the context of growing economic ties, and helped to raise the profile of Australian research capabilities in Spain," she said.
RMIT's innovation hub in Europe is also a differentiator in the Australian higher education sector.
Saskia Loer Hansen, RMIT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement and Vice-President, was at the opening of RMIT Europe in Barcelona in 2013 and has recently returned to the University after several years in leadership roles in the UK.
Having seen RMIT’s journey in Europe from the very start, Hansen reflected on the local impact and shared benefit with the community.
"RMIT Europe has become an innovative, widely respected player in Barcelona’s innovation district, forging new partnerships and approaches to sustainable cities and transformative technologies," she said.
"What RMIT can bring to and share with the communities we serve is one of the three strategic directions articulated in our strategy – Knowledge with Action: RMIT’s Strategy to 2031.
"We see it as a critical responsibility to serve the community by using civic partnership to advance social innovation, and smart and sustainable cities,” Hansen said.
"We can contribute by using our relationships and urban presence in locations including Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh City and Barcelona to increase the scale and benefit of these efforts."
RMIT Europe will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary throughout the year with partners, alumni, staff and friends of RMIT.
In 2023 RMIT Europe is celebrating the significant milestone of its 10-year anniversary of operations in Barcelona. To learn about RMIT's history in Europe and keep up with the latest news and events, visit the #RMITEurope10 webpage and follow RMIT Europe on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Story: Karen Matthews