Newark, NJ, USA / Klagenfurt, Carinthia, AT – 15.03.2025 – The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the ETCOP Institute for Interdisciplinary Research have formalized a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to foster collaborative research, academic exchange, and innovation, reinforcing both institutions' commitment to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge and global impact.
Fostering international research collaboration
The MoU establishes a framework for academic collaboration between NJIT's Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts and the ETCOP Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, creating new opportunities for faculty, researchers, and students to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives. By combining NJIT's expertise in STEM, social sciences, and emerging technologies with ETCOP's strengths in academic networking, digital education, cross-sector innovation, and publishing, this partnership aims to develop impactful projects that benefit both academia and industry.

Leadership perspectives
“NJIT is thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with the ETCOP Institute, said Kevin Belfield, Dean of the Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to advance interdisciplinary research and global engagement. Specifically, within our Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts, we see tremendous potential for synergy. Our strengths in STEM and social sciences and our commitment to fostering a diverse and innovative academic environment will complement ETCOP's focus on international collaboration and cross-sector innovation. We look forward to creating impactful research and educational opportunities that benefit both our institutions and the wider global community.“
“Our collaboration with NJIT marks a significant milestone in ETCOP's mission to advance interdisciplinary research and foster meaningful global partnerships," said Birgit Oberer, Director of Research & Projects at ETCOP. "This MoU provides a strong foundation for collaborative innovation, knowledge transfer and academic engagement on an international scale.”
About NJIT
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university located in Newark, New Jersey. NJIT is committed to excellence in education, research, and service, preparing diverse students for positions of leadership as professionals and citizens. The university advances knowledge to address issues of local, national, and global importance through high-impact basic, applied, and transdisciplinary scholarship.
The Jordan Hu College of Science and Liberal Arts (HCSLA) is a cornerstone of NJIT, fostering a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. HCSLA comprises six departments—Biological Sciences (BIOL), Chemistry & Environmental Science (CES), History (HIST), Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS), Mathematical Sciences (MATH), and Physics (PHYS)—and is home to internationally recognized research centers and programs, including the Institute for Brain & Neuroscience Research, the Institute for Space Weather Sciences, and the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research (CSTR), which operates world-renowned solar observatories. HCSLA is committed to cultivating an understanding of the natural and social world, driving innovation, and serving the community through impactful research and education. The college's mission is to be a preeminent center for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and service, with a local and global impact on society, aligning with NJIT's broader vision of fostering economic development and community engagement.
About ETCOP
The ETCOP Institute for Interdisciplinary Research is dedicated to promoting global academic collaboration, fostering innovation, and advancing interdisciplinary research. ETCOP connects researchers and institutions worldwide to develop high-impact projects and forward-looking solutions. Through strategic international partnerships, ETCOP promotes knowledge exchange, applied research, cross-sector collaboration, and scientific publishing to address global challenges.
For more information on this collaboration, please visit:
Media Contact NJIT: David Crowell, Communications Coordinator, Office of the Dean – HCSLA
david.crowell@njit.edu
Media Contact ETCOP Institute: Simone Winter, Public Relations, simone.winter@etcop.at