From June 19^th to 23^rd, Mr. WU Guilong, Chancellor of USTB led a delegation to the UK, visited the Needham Research Institute, University of Cambridge and the De Montfort University, and other partner universities as well as the Education Section, Embassy of China in the UK. The delegation also met and communicated with USTB alumni studying/working in the UK.

Signing cooperation memorandum

During the visit to the Needham Research Institute, Mr. WU Guilong and his delegation visited the Library, Exhibition Room, and History Archive of the Institute and reviewed the history of long-term friendly cooperation between USTB and the Needham Research Institute. The two sides held in-depth discussions on mutual visits of researchers and diversified academic exchanges and cooperation and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperative research.

Communication and exchange

During the visit to the De Montfort University (DMU), Mr. WU Guilong had in-depth exchange with Prof. Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, Mr. Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice-Chancellor of DMU, and other head of relevant DMU departments and schools. The two sides agreed to resume various exchange activities on the basis of existing cooperation, to further strengthen cooperation in scientific research cooperation, academic exchanges, and joint cultivation of student. The two sides also reached consensus on the deployment of the joint graduation design exhibition between the two universities and the preparation of the 10^th anniversary celebration activities of the Confucius Institute.

The 9^th Annunal Board Meeting

During the visit, the 9^th Annual Board Meeting and the anniversary celebration activities of the USTB-DMU Confucius Institute (CI) were held. At the celebration, more than 60 participants from the DMU, USTB, representatives of the CI, as well as Chinese teachers participated the event. Mr. WU Guilong and Mr. Simon Bradbury delivered speeches respectively, high recognizing the achievements of the CI and its contribution to the educational and cultural exchanges between China and the UK. At the Annual Board Meeting, Prof. GU Wei, Chinese Director of the CI summarized the work of CI in 2022 and introduced the work plan for this year. The two sides exchanged views on further enhancing the influence of the CI, creating distinctive brand projects, and playing the role of the CI as a bridge in the cooperation between the two universities.

Chancellor WU Guilong met with alumni

During the visit, Mr. WU Guilong met with Prof. DING Yulong and Prof. DONG Hongbiao, Academicians of the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as other representative of USTB alumni in the UK. On behalf of USTB, Mr. WU Guilong thanked the alumni for their long-term concern and support for the development and construction of their Alma mater, as well as their hard work in establishing the USTB-UK Alumni Association.

Visiting General Counselor ZHANG Jin

The delegation also paid a visit Ms. ZHANG Jin, General Counselor of the Education, Embassy of China in the UK, and briefed her on the development progress, discipline construction, talent introduction policies, and other aspects of USTB. The two side had in-depth exchanges on areas of concern.

This visit showed the new outlook of USTB’s international cooperation in the post-epidemic era, and laid a solid foundation for USTB to carry out high-level cooperation with overseas universities and institutions. This visit also further promoted the sustainable development of the CI, strengthened the connection with well-known alumni and consolidated the international visibility and influence of USTB.

Draft & Revision: CHENG Mingyuan