College delegation visited four partner universities in the UK

From April 29 to May 2, a delegation from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and the Shi Da Shan Neng New Energy College of our university visited Cardiff University, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Birmingham in the UK to advance in-depth collaboration with these institutions in talent cultivation, faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and other areas. Zhang Yongning, Secretary of the College Party Committee, participated in the visit.

On April 29, the delegation held in-depth discussions with Prof. Jianzhong Wu, Dean of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University; Prof. Peng Zhou, Head of China Affairs at Cardiff University; Prof. Alan Kwan, Deputy Dean of the School of Engineering; and Prof. Reza Ahmadian, Director of International Affairs at the School of Engineering. Both sides extensively explored potential collaboration in fields such as electrical engineering, chemical engineering, electromechanical engineering, and economic management. Key initiatives included arranging visits by foreign experts, launching joint research projects, promoting student exchanges, and establishing joint degree programs. Special emphasis was placed on the feasibility of jointly applying for a Sino-foreign cooperative education institution. Joining the discussion was Prof. Wu Anxin, a legal expert on Sino-foreign cooperative education from Shandong Jianzhu University, who provided policy interpretations and case studies during his short-term stay in Cardiff.All participants agreed that both universities possess strong engineering and scientific capabilities and a solid foundation for collaboration. By deepening comprehensive cooperation, they can achieve a powerful synergy that will significantly enhance their educational, research, and global academic influence. Follow-up actions will include promptly finalizing a feasibility report for submission to senior university leadership. Following the meeting, Prof. Jianzhong Wu accompanied the delegation on a tour of the university’s student learning and practice facilities, robotics lab, ammonia energy lab, and the Catalysis & Zero Emissions Laboratory at the Translational Research Hub (TRH). The delegation also met with Dr. Lin Dong, an alumnus and Marie Curie Fellow working at Cardiff University, encouraging him to contribute further to bilateral cooperation and recommend outstanding talent for the development of the university.

On the morning of May 1st, the delegation visited the University of Manchester, where they were warmly received with high-level attention from the university. Leaders from various disciplines—including Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Earth and Environmental Engineering—as well as representatives from the International Office, met with our delegation.During the discussions, Director Huang Fang provided a detailed overview of our university’s current developments in teaching and research, the quality of our student intake, and the foundation of prior collaboration. Our university and the University of Manchester have previously established a dual-degree joint undergraduate program, and over a hundred of our students have participated in long-term and short-term exchange programs at Manchester, with their outstanding performance leaving a lasting impression on the host institution. Both sides expressed a strong willingness to consolidate existing collaborative programs and expand into new academic fields. They also explored ways to enhance faculty exchanges, jointly apply for research grants, co-author academic papers, and establish joint laboratories. Additionally, the two institutions discussed the possibility of jointly applying for a Sino-foreign cooperative education program. The delegation also took the opportunity to meet with alumnus Prof. Lv Jianren, who is currently working at the University of Manchester. Discussions were held on further researching the archival materials of the late Academician Zhu Yajie—a distinguished graduate of the University of Manchester, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and former Vice President of the East China Petroleum Institute.

On the afternoon of May 1st, the delegation visited Manchester Metropolitan University. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. Lindsey Munro, Head of the School of Natural Sciences; Charlotte Dawson, International Project Manager; David Beel, International Lead of the School of Natural Sciences; and Dr. Lubomira Tosheva-Jivkova, Chemistry Lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences. Both sides reviewed their existing cooperation and held in-depth discussions on key aspects of their joint undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The host institution provided updates on the progress of the International Joint Laboratory agreement and expressed anticipation for the upcoming exchange visit by our university's students. Our delegation cordially invited MMU representatives to visit our campus for academic exchanges and promotional sessions. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the university's Faculty of Science and Engineering, including the Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, Surface Engineering Laboratory, and student teaching facilities.

On May 2, the delegation visited the University of Birmingham. Accompanied by Associate Professor Jian Song from the School of Chemical Engineering, they toured the university's museum and the laboratories of the School of Chemical Engineering. At the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre, the delegation held talks with Academician Yulong Ding from the School of Chemical Engineering. Academician Ding spoke highly of our university's achievements in the field of energy and chemical engineering and expressed his willingness to actively promote exchanges and cooperation between the two universities in education and scientific research. Both sides agreed to expedite the signing of a cooperation agreement to facilitate faculty exchanges and doctoral student mobility.