An agreement of cooperation establishing a programme of research collaboration between University College Dublin and the University of California, Davis (affectionately called the ‘UCD Squared’ partnership) was signed on the 7th of May 2025. The agreement was signed in person at the University of California, Davis, during the Universitas 21 Annual Network Meeting, by the UCD President Professor Orla Feely and the Chancellor of UC Davis Professor Gary S. May (pictured right).
Both universities are excited to announce this latest development in their long-standing strategic partnership, which is rooted in shared values, complementary strengths, and a commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative research and education.
Since the signing of their first agreement of cooperation back in 2014, both universities have worked to promote education, research, innovation and cultural ties. Additionally, the universities have collaborated across a range of themes including agrifood, veterinary medicine, law, environmental research and health sciences.
This latest agreement focuses on the themes of Sustainable Food Systems, One Health, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and aims to address some of the most pressing global challenges by integrating critical and interconnected domains.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UCD President Professor Orla Feely said: "This latest agreement between our universities marks an important step forward in the enduring and fruitful partnership which has existed for over a decade. Building on a shared history of collaboration and exchange, this agreement of cooperation reaffirms our joint commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, namely the sustainability of food systems, One Health, and artificial intelligence. These are fields in which both our institutions have great strength and, indeed, lead internationally and where we feel we can drive real impact. We are proud to deepen this strategic alliance, which reflects our shared values and vision for research, education, and innovation that serves society - not just at home, but globally.
Chancellor of UC Davis Professor Gary S. May said: “At UC Davis, we believe that global collaboration is essential to creating equitable, sustainable solutions to the world’s most complex problems. This agreement with University College Dublin exemplifies how strategic partnerships can harness academic excellence and interdisciplinary research to drive meaningful change–locally and globally. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to what our institutions can achieve together in the years ahead.”
(Pictured above (L-R): Professor Orla Feely, President, and Professor Dolores O’Riordan, Vice President for Global Engagement, UCD, with Professor Gary S. May, Chancellor; Professor Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs; and Professor Mary Croughan, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, UC Davis).
Essential for combating climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, Sustainable Food Systems aim to ensure the production of nutritious, high-quality food through regenerative agriculture and resilient supply chains, thereby securing food security and economic sustainability worldwide. The One Health approach to science highlights the vital interconnections between human, animal, plant, and environmental health and promotes a multidisciplinary framework to tackle complex health challenges such as infectious diseases, food safety, and ecosystem health, which are crucial for global public health and policy development. Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionise research by enabling the processing of vast data sets, accelerating scientific discovery, and optimising solutions across diverse fields, including food systems and health, thus enhancing the efficiency and impact of interventions while keeping ethical considerations at the forefront.
UCD Vice-President for Global Engagement Professor Dolores O’Riordan said: "As a food scientist and academic, I have long admired the depth of expertise and innovation at UC Davis. This renewed partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to addressing global challenges through collaboration, whether in sustainable food systems, health, or data-driven innovation. The relationship between UCD and UC Davis exemplifies how strategic, long-term alliances can deliver real impact for our students, researchers, and wider communities. I’m delighted to see this partnership continue to grow in ambition and scope.”
Vice-Provost and Dean of Global Affairs at UC Davis Professor Joanna Regulska said: “This renewed partnership reflects our shared commitment to global education and inclusive research. By deepening our collaboration with University College Dublin, we are expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike to engage in transformative work that transcends borders and disciplines. University College Dublin brings deep expertise and leadership in fields such as agriculture, health, and data science–making them an ideal partner in advancing our shared global priorities. Together, we are building a model for international cooperation that drives innovation and prepares the next generation of global problem-solvers.”
The signing ceremony was also attended by Daniel Kearns, Talent and Innovation Attaché at the Consulate General of Ireland in San Francisco, who spoke of the exceptional quality of research in Ireland, emphasising that the most impactful research emerges through collaboration. He highlighted research as a cornerstone of societal progress, economic growth, and inclusive, forward-thinking development - describing the UCD-UC Davis partnership as a model for other universities to follow.