Monash University - Prato Campus

Established in 2001, the Monash University Prato campus is a European base for the University's international research and education programs. Located in the historic centre of Prato in Tuscany, Italy - one of nine Italian cities participating in the European Union mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 - the Prato campus embodies a spirit of innovation and international exchange. Prato's vibrant multicultural landscape, home to residents from over 120 nationalities, makes it a compelling microcosm of the challenges and opportunities facing our interconnected world.

Monash University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Europe) and Chair of the Monash University European Research Foundation’s Board of Directors, Professor Cecilia Hewlett, emphasises that, "The Prato campus plays a vital role in Monash's European engagement. In addition to providing a diverse range of educational programs that enrich the student experience, Prato hosts 35-40 international research meetings and conferences each year that connect Monash to significant research networks, serving as an incubator for collaborative projects. These exchanges drive significant research output, contributing to Monash researchers’ more than 3,761 publications co-authored with European partners in 2024.
 

Driving collaborative research and innovation in Europe

A cornerstone of Monash University's European strategy is the Monash University European Research Foundation (MUERF), established in 2022 and co-located at the Prato campus. As a not-for-profit, independent research foundation, MUERF significantly expands Monash's research and innovation programs in Europe. MUERF deepens Monash’s connections with European alliances across higher education, research, philanthropic organisations, and industry, creating mutually beneficial collaborations that advance research capabilities. MUERF is eligible to participate as a full partner in European Union funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe. This enables Monash researchers to explore opportunities to enhance and facilitate research endeavours with European partners, addressing critical issues relevant to local, national, and global communities.

The Prato campus also serves as a crucial point of convergence for engagement with our strategic European partners, including the University of Warwick, the University of Padua, and the European University Institute. An exemplar of Monash's commitment to impactful collaboration is the Monash Warwick Alliance. Formalised in 2012, the Alliance is a distinctive partnership with breadth, scale and impact beyond standard practice, spanning Research, Graduate Research, Education, Student Engagement, and Organisational Learning. Monash and Warwick academic collaborators have secured over AUD$36 million in external funding since 2018, a testament to the potential of strategic international collaboration to enhance research and education programs. 
   

Creating unique educational experiences

The Monash University Prato campus acts as a vital conduit between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, providing invaluable cultural, industry, and educational experiences for students. More than 7,000 Monash students have undertaken programs in Prato, such as the Monash Global Campus Intensives and the Global Immersion Guarantee. By co-designing educational programs with European partners and collaborating with leading European institutions, the Prato campus enables a range of collaborative educational programs and research initiatives to flourish. This model creates unique and globally resonant learning experiences, merging diverse expertise and perspectives to enrich program content and foster cross-disciplinary connections. These opportunities enrich the academic landscape for both Monash and its European collaborators, fostering mutual growth and knowledge exchange.

Monash University is dedicated to developing globally-minded individuals, and the experiences of participants in EUTOPIA programs such as the EUTOPIA Young Leaders’ Academy exemplify the tangible outcomes of this international engagement (read our interview with Dr Yee-Fui Ng about her experience of this program). 
 

Looking ahead: A shared vision for impact

When you collaborate with Monash, you gain access to a truly global academic network spanning the Indo-Pacific and Europe. 

As Professor Cecilia Hewlett, Monash University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Europe) and Associate Dean (International), notes: “By being embedded durably in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Monash harnesses its collective strength across multiple locations to create opportunities for international collaboration to foster a vibrant knowledge exchange, strengthening our institutions and our communities.”

The Monash University Prato campus - located in a city renowned for innovation and cultural diversity - and the Monash University European Research Foundation (MUERF) provide a powerful gateway for collaboration with European partners. Together, they offer a unique platform for advancing education and research through meaningful global partnerships. We invite you to explore the opportunities these initiatives offer for impactful collaboration.

For more information on Monash University, visit the website.