UNC School of Nursing receives $300K Utforsk Grant to expand global education opportunities
December 3, 2024
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing has been awarded a $300,000 Utforsk grant in collaboration with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL). This multi-year initiative will create transformative opportunities for nursing students and faculty, fostering global collaboration in education and research.
The funding will support baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing students as they participate in international education and research experiences. Faculty mobility will also be a key component, promoting collaborative teaching and research between the two institutions.
“This funding will enable baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing students to participate in educational and research opportunities while also supporting faculty mobility to foster collaborative education and research,” said Lisa Woodley, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHPN, Global Education Coordinator and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Utforsk grant. “This grant opens doors to global educational experiences that were previously unattainable, providing a unique international opportunity for both universities to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another.”
The Utforsk grant focuses on strengthening ties between UNC and HVL while addressing critical challenges in nursing and healthcare workforce development. Through this partnership, students and faculty will benefit from:
- Joint Learning Opportunities: Development of new courses and virtual exchange programs through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
- Student Mobility: Access to study abroad opportunities, internships, and practicums in both the U.S. and Norway.
- Faculty Collaboration: Support for faculty exchanges to create innovative curricula and engage in research projects.
- Research Development: Co-supervision of master’s and doctoral students and collaborative research efforts leading to peer-reviewed publications.
The program emphasizes cultural competence, sustainability in healthcare, and leadership development, equipping participants with the skills to navigate global healthcare systems and address workforce challenges.
The Utforsk program builds on a strong foundation of collaboration between UNC SON and HVL. Woodley, who serves as the PI for UNC, works alongside Elisabeth Hemnes Aandersen, the PI for HVL, to lead this initiative. Their joint efforts are designed to create a sustainable framework for long-term international partnerships.
“This partnership is a testament to our commitment to advancing nursing education through global collaboration,” added Woodley.
In addition to the Utforsk grant, UNC SON and HVL were also awarded an Erasmus+ grant to further enhance global education opportunities. This complementary funding expands on the goals of the Utforsk program, providing even more avenues for international learning and collaboration.
