McMaster faculty and students build global connections through Universitas 21 programming

McMaster faculty and students continue to use Universitas 21 programming as a pathway to strengthen their skills and connect with peers around the world. In 2025/2026, six McMaster faculty members were nominated for the Universitas 21 Mid-Career Researcher program, a micro-credential designed for researchers navigating the next stage of their careers. Four faculty members took part in the program, and two completed it and earned micro-credentials: Dr. Yan Wang and Dr. Yun Zhou, both from the DeGroote School of Business. 

The program is delivered in partnership with Common Purpose and brings mid-career researchers together from across the U21 network. Through online modules and peer discussions, participants are invited to step back from their day-to-day work and think more intentionally about research leadership and the challenges that can shape a mid-career academic path. 

For Dr. Wang, the program encouraged reflection on growth, collaboration and new ways of approaching research. “One of the most valuable outcomes of the U21 program has been the opportunity to step back and reflect on how I want to grow as a researcher,” Wang said. “It encouraged me to move beyond my comfort zone by embracing new methodologies, building interdisciplinary collaborations, and approaching research with greater curiosity and openness.” 

For Dr. Zhou, the program offered a useful structure for reflection. “The programme provided a structured framework to mid-career researchers to reflect on the challenges they faced and approaches to overcome the challenges,” Zhou said. “I found the techniques in the online modules very helpful and inspiring.” Dr. Zhou also noted that the programme helped make practical strategies more visible by pairing advice from senior researchers with discussion among peers. 

McMaster students have also continued to take part in U21 global learning opportunities. In the March 2026 Global Citizens programme, 56 McMaster students applied, 41 participated, and 37 completed the programme and earned micro-credentials. That marks an increase from the March 2025 offering, when 38 students participated, 28 completed the programme and 27 earned micro-credentials. Since 2020, McMaster students have submitted 540 applications to U21 Global Citizens programming, with 318 students participating and 248 completing programmes. 

Together, these faculty and student experiences show how U21 programming creates space for McMaster community members to learn beyond their immediate academic environments and carry new ideas into their research, teaching and studies.