Rutgers University’s recent engagements across South Korea marked a significant step forward in strengthening academic, research, and industry partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. In December, a delegation of faculty and executive staff traveled to South Korea to explore opportunities for future collaborations with academic, industry, and government entities. Through meetings with leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, the Rutgers delegation deepened existing relationships and laid the groundwork for new collaborations spanning student mobility, faculty research, industry engagement, and translational innovation. 

Rutgers Global was pleased to welcome distinguished alumnus Dr. Shams Eldien Naga to campus in January, celebrating his enduring connection to Rutgers University and his international impact as a leader in architecture, urban planning, and design. Dr. Naga, who earned his Master of Science in Urban Planning from Rutgers University in 1986, is Founder and Chairman of the DHB Group and NAGA Architects, Designers, and Planners, which operate across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and the United States. During his visit to Rutgers, Dr. Naga met with key faculty and staff from the Rutgers School of Engineering, the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, the Rutgers University Foundation, and Rutgers Global.  

Rutgers University-New Brunswick once again has been named a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, with 11 undergraduate and recent graduates receiving the grants in the 2025-2026 academic year. “Our students’ ongoing success in earning Fulbright grants illustrates once again the Rutgers edge,” said Rutgers President William F. Tate IV. “Again and again their grit and perseverance are matched by exceptional intellect and curiosity.”  

Rutgers University–Camden students, Christien Nicole Brown, Eva Chen, and Tia Franco, have been selected as Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholars for the Spring 2026 semester. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the selective, merit-based scholarship supports students with financial need as they pursue academic study or research abroad. All three recipients are first-generation college students and together represent each of Rutgers–Camden’s three undergraduate colleges. 

When linguist Sarita Monjane Henriksen arrived on campus as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, she was struck by the similarities between Rutgers-Newark and her homeland of Mozambique.  

“I’ve been describing Mozambique as the most linguistically and culturally diverse place. But nothing had prepared me for what I’ve seen here,’’ said Henriksen, a professor at Universidade Pedagógica de Maputo in Mozambique.  

The Rutgers Chinese Debate Team competed in the 2025 World Chinese Novice Debating Invitational (“Shixin Cup”) and landed the top spot as champions. In addition, team member Tianyu (Edward) Yao, a freshman at the Rutgers-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, was awarded the Best Debater of the Tournament for his outstanding critical thinking ability and consistently strong performance throughout the event. The Invitational took place in late October, and the Rutgers Chinese Debate Team distinguished itself among twenty university teams from around the world, advancing through every round and ultimately securing the championship with an undefeated record. 
 

A delegation from Rutgers University traveled to Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vellore, and Kolkata in November, meeting with partners, connecting with alumni, and engaging with key organizations resulting in an inspiring and impactful visit to India. 

The delegation brought together senior academic and institutional leadership, including deans, key faculty, and administrators from the School of Engineering (SoE), Rutgers Business School (RBS), the School of Social Work (SSW), Rutgers Foundation, and Rutgers Global. 

Dr. Danielle Falzon, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, provides her reflections on attending the COP30 Conference, the United Nations negotiations on climate change, in Brazil in November. 

"Amidst discontent from countries and accusations of procedural misconduct, the Brazilian presidency of this year’s annual meeting of the United Nations negotiations on climate change (known as the Conference of the Parties or COP)  brought COP 30  to a close on Saturday, November 22nd. The outcomes were reflective of disappointing compromises between some countries that were working to advance climate action and reduce emissions, and others that were doing their best to protect their national interests and ensure the continued burning of fossil fuels."

Manuela Gomez, a recent graduate of the M.A. program in Peace and Conflict Studies and an alumna of the Political Science program at Rutgers University–Newark, is forging a powerful path in international relations; one rooted in personal experience, global engagement, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable peace.

Originally from Colombia, Manuela grew up amid decades of armed conflict, witnessing the profound toll violence takes on communities and individuals. Those realities sparked her early interest in peacebuilding and motivated her to pursue academic work that could help illuminate global pathways to conflict resolution.

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) welcomed its first student from Seoul National University School of Dentistry (SNUSD), Jae Hyeok (Jerry) Lee, marking the beginning of a new international collaboration.

“This program allows for an academic and cultural exchange between our students and visiting students, simultaneously facilitating their professional and personal growth,” said Rosa Chaviano-Moran, associate dean for admissions. RSDM has several other exchange programs around the globe, stretching from Ireland to Spain to Albania to India. 

Rutgers Global, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), hosted a 2-day academic program for 26 undergraduate students from South Korea majoring in biotechnology, health sciences, computer science, and engineering.  The program’s theme, “AI & Biotechnology in Healthcare,” highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping biomedical innovation and interdisciplinary research. Here are photos from the program.

For many students, a passport is more than a travel document; it’s a ticket to global study, research, and career opportunities. Recognizing this, Rutgers Global–Study Abroad launched the Passport to the World initiative in 2022, designed to increase the number of matriculated Rutgers students with U.S. passports across all campuses: Newark, Camden, Rutgers Health, and New Brunswick. 

One of those students is Le’Nahjaa Bailey (Rutgers-New Brunswick, Class of 2026), who received her first passport through the program and spent the summer studying at Ewha University in Seoul, South Korea. Bailey, also a Gilman Scholar, described the experience as transformative.