Queen’s University Belfast signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masaryk University (MUNI) in the Czech Republic, building on the impactful community outreach work of Professor Karola Dillenburger.

The long-standing partnership is based on the common commitment to bring evidence-based support services to autistic children, adults and their families. Professor Dillenburger is the Director of the Centre for Behaviour Analysis at Queen’s and Programme Director of the Master’s degree in Autism.

As visiting professor at Masaryk University Professor Dillenburger regularly visited the Faculty of Special Education’s Centre for Applied Behaviour Analysis, where she inspired the development of Master’s level studies in Applied Behaviour Analysis as part of the continuing education program for special pedagogues and other educationalists, allied health professionals, and social workers.

Speaking about the signing of the MOU, Professor Dillenburger said: “I am delighted that my work in support of autistic individuals and their families both at home and in the Czech Republic has led to this new Memorandum of Understanding between our universities. It will benefit students, colleagues, and the community in both countries.”

Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Queen’s commented: “This Memorandum of Understanding with Masaryk University highlights Queen’s commitment to global collaboration and excellence in autism research and education. Building on Professor Dillenburger’s impactful work, this partnership will allow us to further advance evidence-based services supporting autistic individuals and their families.”