Building structures to enhance research excellence and global reputation through international partnerships
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the University of Rochester is proud to stand as a global research partner. This is particularly true in the Office for Global Engagement, where we manage over 100 international partnerships across more than 30 countries that support student mobility, faculty exchanges, joint degree programs, and collaborative research. In each case, these partnerships align with our institution's mission and values and build on the principles of collaboration, sustainability, and relevance.
Evolving policy changes and geopolitical challenges make these relationships more critical than ever. They position the University as a global leader in research and teaching, amplify our core strengths, and foster innovation. The Office for Global Engagement is here to support faculty and staff in identifying and developing partnerships that reflect our shared commitment to being ever better. We invite you to join us in shaping a future defined by global collaboration and groundbreaking discovery.
The Office for Global Engagement stands ready to assist in identifying, exploring, developing, and finalizing partnership agreements that position the University of Rochester as a leading global research and teaching institution.
Meliora,
Ravi Shankar
Associate Vice Provost
Office for Global Engagement
Global Partnerships & Collaboration
Partnerships and agreements foster academic and research collaboration with leading institutions worldwide while removing barriers that help establish clear structures for international engagement. These critical collaborations often result in increased faculty participation that enhances the University of Rochester's global reputation.
Through both formal agreements and organic collaborations, international partnerships enable joint research projects, enriched teaching and learning experiences, shared resources, and expanded global opportunities. As international engagement remains integral to life at URochester, the University of Rochester continues to expand research collaborations, grow study and work abroad opportunities for students, connect with emerging international universities, and add new programs across the globe.
Please feel free to reach out to Megan Bennett-Spears, associate director of international partnerships at megan.bennett-spears@rochester.edu for more information.
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Growing a Transatlantic Collaboration: Medical Research and Mobility with the University of Pavia
The developing partnership between the University of Rochester and the University of Pavia (UPavia), in Pavia, Italy, reflects URochester’s broader approach to international engagement—blending formal agreements with long-standing academic relationships to create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Initial conversations in early 2024 focused on the EU-funded Erasmus+ program, including a newer component that supports “bidirectional” mobility for pre- and post-doctoral students and faculty engaged in collaborative research beyond the EU. The initiative has grown out of strong faculty connections in neurology and the medical sciences, led by Giuseppe Erba, MD, a University of Pavia alumnus and professor emeritus in the Department of Neurology, at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD).
Giovanni Schifitto, MD, professor of neurology at SMD has joined Dr. Erba to focus on the research component of this initiative. Both Erba and Schifitto have strong ties with Cristina Tassorelli, MD, dean of UPavia medical school and a professor of neurology.
Support for the Partnership
In early 2026, Dr. Schifitto will visit UPavia to build relationships with the university’s newly appointed international leadership, helping to strengthen institutional connections and reduce barriers to future collaboration. While still centered in the medical sciences, the long-term goal of the partnership is to expand the partnership beyond the School of Medicine and Dentistry to support broader, University-wide engagement.
Monthly Observances
Each month, the Office for Global Engagement will highlight holidays observed around the world, fostering greater awareness of celebrations across cultures and communities.
February 1 – National Freedom Day
February 2 – Imbolc - Wicca/Paganism
February 4 – Rosa Parks Day
February 7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 8 – International Epilepsy Day
February 10 – Safer Internet Day
February 11 – International Day of Women & Girls in Science
February 14 – Valentine's Day
February 15 – Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day
February 15 – Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)
February 16 – Family Day (Canada)
February 17 – Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) - Year of the Horse
February 17 – Mardi Gras
February 17 – Ramadan begins in the evening (Islam) - Expected to begin
February 18 – Ash Wednesday
February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
Global Photo Contest now open
The 2026 Global Photo Contest is now open. Any student who studied abroad during the year 2025 is eligible to submit for the Center for Education Abroad side, and any current international or exchange student is eligible for the International Service Office side of the contest.
Lunar New Year Celebration 2026! Year of the Horse
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the University of Rochester!
This event will feature festival activities, food, performances, and other festivities! All are welcome to celebrate Lunar New Year with us and to learn more about how this traditional event is celebrated in many Asian countries and diaspora communities throughout the world!
Co-sponsored by Student Activities, Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, International Services Office, Eastman School of Music, & Center for Advising Services.
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