Illinois State University has offered two business studentships to the pioneering University of the Highlands and Islands as part of plans to build long-term links between the two institutions. UHI is a high-tech federation of 14 colleges and research institutes in Scotland's most sparsely populated areas, using videoconferencing and online discussions where face-to-face teaching is impossible. Chuck McGuire, chair of the business, insurance and law faculty of Illinois State, said: "I am intrigued by the whole notion of UHI and its focus on cooperation and the development of learning technology. We would like to foster strong links between our two bodies, through the studentships and plans for student and faculty exchanges."