Publisher: International Exchange and Cooperation Office  

Date: November 1, 2024

From October 14 to 18, Xing Feng, President of Jinan University and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, led a delegation on a mission to the UK and Ireland aimed at enhancing international cooperation and attracting talent. The delegation included leaders from Jinan University's College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Life Science and Technology, and Jinan University – University of Birmingham Joint Institute.

The visit commenced on October 14th at University College Dublin, where Xing engaged in constructive discussions with Vice President Aoife Ahern. The conversation focused on potential collaborative opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as food science engineering, biomedical engineering, and sustainable development. Both parties expressed a commitment to fostering student exchanges, joint training programs, and short-term academic collaborations to create mutually beneficial outcomes.

（President Xing presented commemorative gifts to Adam Tickell.）

（The delegation posed with the leadership team of the University of Birmingham.）

On October 15-16, the delegation continued to the University of Birmingham for a series of meetings with President Adam Tickell, Vice President Marika Taylor, and Vice President Jon Frampton. The talks highlighted the successful partnership between the two institutions and acknowledged the progress of the Joint College. Engaging with representatives from various engineering, life sciences, and health data science departments, the delegation explored plans for interdisciplinary research, academic exchanges, and high-level talent development. Furthermore, a symposium was conducted for overseas young scholars, facilitating meaningful interactions with over 50 young academics and doctoral students across the UK to nurture future talent for Jinan University.

The following day, the delegation toured prestigious institutions such as University College London, Imperial College London, and City College London. They visited advanced research facilities, including the Fiber Optic Chemical Sensor Laboratory and the National Institute of Cardiopulmonary Research. Productive academic exchanges with professors from the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge and the Bartlett School of Architecture underscored the visit's value in enhancing Jinan University's academic programs and research initiatives.

（The delegation posed with the leadership team of Brunel University.）

On October 18th, the delegation wrapped up their trip with a visit to Brunel University, where they held discussions with Vice President Trevor Hoey and Vice President Zhao Hua. They explored potential collaborations in sports science, materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental engineering and laid the groundwork for joint training initiatives at both undergraduate and doctoral levels.

(The delegation hosted an international youth scholar exchange conference at the University of Birmingham.)