Griffith University and the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)

Griffith University is proud to be a member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), a global alliance of 24 leading comprehensive research universities in a collaborative partnership to advance research and education on major global challenges. Capitalising on the geographical and cultural diversity of members across six continents, WUN enriches their shared experience, and brings together distinctive constellations of talent to address problems of real significance.

Joining WUN in 2024 demonstrates Griffith’s commitment to addressing critical global challenges through international collaboration and interdisciplinary research.

Discover more about WUN and Griffith’s contributions: Worldwide Universities Network.

Our Engagement with WUN

As part of WUN, Griffith University contributes to global research initiatives that align with its mission to create a better future. These initiatives focus on addressing the world’s most pressing issues:

  • Climate Change and Sustainability: Griffith researchers collaborate globally to develop sustainable solutions and enhance climate resilience.
  • Global Public Health: Griffith contributes to reducing health disparities and advancing health outcomes through innovative, multidisciplinary research.
  • Equitable Higher Education: Our engagement helps shape the future of education by promoting inclusivity and equity in knowledge access.
  • Cultural and Social Understanding: Griffith researchers work to address societal challenges and strengthen cross-cultural understanding, enhancing global connections.

A Message from Our Vice Chancellor

‘We are delighted to join WUN and be part of a global network of outstanding universities that are dedicated to addressing key global challenges. We look forward to partnering with other members in a way that is impactful, collaborative, and purpose-driven.’

– Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University

Benefits for Griffith University

This membership provides Griffith students, researchers, and staff with unparalleled opportunities to engage with a global network:

  • Research Collaboration: Participate in joint research projects, access seed funding through the WUN Research Development Fund, and contribute to addressing critical global challenges.
  • Student Mobility: Access innovative global learning experiences that enhance skills and broaden perspectives of Griffith University students.
  • Workshops and Conferences: Join international workshops, symposia, and events to share ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen research impact.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with academic leaders and early-career researchers across the WUN network to explore new ideas and opportunities.

Griffith University plays an active role in WUN by contributing to research, thought leadership, and impactful initiatives. Our commitment to sustainability, social justice, and innovation aligns with WUN’s vision of creating solutions to global challenges.

WUN Research Development Fund (RDF)

The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) is a key initiative that offers seed funding for innovative, interdisciplinary projects involving WUN partners. It supports early-stage research and helps build strong international teams to pursue external funding opportunities.

The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) is a gateway to innovation, collaboration, and impactful research, aiming to address global challenges through interdisciplinary team efforts.

The WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) has invested more than £3.45 million over 17 years to foster sustainable, interdisciplinary research collaborations among WUN partners. It is a gateway to innovation, collaboration, and impactful research, aiming to address global challenges through interdisciplinary team efforts.

Focus Areas

The RDF seeks proposals in areas such as:

  • Social justice and human rights; inequality
  • Sustainable world: cities and urbanization; energy transitions; water and food security
  • Mental health; child and maternal health; ageing
  • Responsible and ethical applications of Artificial Intelligence

WUN Research Development Fund 2025 Results

Griffith is the leading investigator in one project and it is also collaborating on five others, contributing to six out of the 25 approved projects for the 2025 RDF round.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Catherine Grant, Queensland Conservatorium, for the successful project with Griffith being the lead investigator: Sustaining Intangible Cultural Practices in Contexts of Forced Displacement

2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. This Refugee Week (15-21 June), learn about a Griffith-led project that supports international efforts to protect and promote the cultural practices of refugees: Keeping Refugee Cultural Practices Strong

Griffith researchers will be working alongside colleagues from 15 different WUN members, 60% of the members. This is expected to strengthen our engagement and collaboration within this prestigious network. Please also refer to the WUN Research Development Fund 2025 Results.

Application Process

The call for the 2026 WUN Research Development Fund (RDF) is not yet open. This page will be updated with relevant links to the WUN Research Development Fund Guidelines once information becomes available, and a notification will also be sent out to the Griffith academic community in due course.

For any questions, email preaward@griffith.edu.au. Please read the WUN Research Development Fund Guidelines for comprehensive details.

WUN Special Interest Groups

Griffith has nominated representatives to join WUN Special Interest Groups as follows:

  • Global Africa Group (GAG): Dr. Leopold Aminde (School of Medicine and Dentistry) is Griffith’s nominated representative
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Professor Andrea Bishop, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research), is Griffith’s nominee for this special interest group

These Special Interest Groups will provide further opportunities for Griffith staff to collaborate internationally, shape research agendas, and contribute to solutions with global impact.

Learn More

To discover more about Griffith University’s role in the Worldwide Universities Network and how you can get involved, contact a member of the International Partnerships team or email international-partnerships@griffith.edu.au