As partner universities, the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Griffith University will have mobility programs for both faculty and students and engage in research collaborations. The UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB-SESAM) specifically, is the key unit involved in this academic and research cooperation.  

A signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding was held last 22 February 2023 at the UPLB Office of the Chancellor. The University was represented by Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, Dr. Fernando Paras, Jr., International Linkages Director Anna Floresca Firmalino, SESAM Dean, Dr. Rico C. Ancog, and SESAM Faculty Member and International Relations Officer, Dr. Janice B. Sevilla-Nastor. Meanwhile, Vice President Sarah Todd and Professor Anik Bhaduri represented Griffith University. 

Being a graduate institution that specializes in the delivery of MS and PhD degrees in environmental science, SESAM is well-positioned to use the skills and knowledge of its faculty and staff in international collaborative research projects, opening up opportunities for its younger researchers and students to gain more international exposure. Similarly, SESAM can collaborate with Griffith University to thoroughly comprehend environmental concerns in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian area by drawing on its rich foundation in multidisciplinary research.

This partnership with the Griffith University intends to hold collaborative activities in the academic areas such as exchange of academic staff members, conduct of collective research, and training and other knowledge and capacity building activities. 

It is hoped that by working together on academic and research projects, the constituents of Griffith University and UPLB-SESAM will be able to gain from this mutually beneficial endeavor. According to Griffith University, this partnership is aligned with their aim for a Sustainable Water Future Program under the leadership of its Director, Dr. Anik Bhaduri. Noting this, this work is believed to require international collaboration and understanding as water and environmental issues in the Southeast Asian region, particularly in the Philippines remain to be a major perennial concern.  (RDAreglado)