President Ni Inks Deals with Two UK Universities
Professor Lionel Ni, President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (HKUST(GZ)), signed cooperation agreements with leaders from the University of Strathclyde and the University of Bristol during a delegation visit to the UK on June 2-3.
“The partnerships with these two British universities are vital because we share a similar educational philosophy, and most importantly, we are dedicated to transforming our shared vision into concrete actions,” said President Ni at the conclusion of the visit.
The delegation includes Professor Lei Chen, Dean of Information Hub, Professor Ye Qi, Acting Dean of Society Hub, Chief Engineer Quanke Su, Professor Shuncheng Lee, Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, and Mr. Jing Fu, Head of Global Affairs Department.
Some of the professors reached out to the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, and Imperial College London during the two-day trip.
The delegation’s UK trip began on June 2 in Glasgow, where University of Strathclyde is located. Warmly welcomed by Principal & Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Jim McDonald and Strathclyde’s senior management, President Ni signed a Joint Cooperation Statement with Professor Sir McDonald, signifying the consolidation of the strategic partnership between two universities.
President Ni expressed gratitude for the hospitality and highlighted that frequent high-level exchanges have led to practical collaboration. He noted the enrollment of 16 Strathclyde students in HKUST(GZ)’s Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange summer camp. During the ceremony, President. Ni handed over admission letters to Sir McDonald.
Sir Jim McDonald reflected on his visit to HKUST(GZ) and acknowledged the strategic cooperation as a milestone in mutual trust. He expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration to include Guangzhou-Glasgow city-level initiatives.
Looking ahead, the two universities aim to foster deeper ties by proposing regular faculty exchange mechanisms and collaborative research initiative - Second Funding Call. On a visit to Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Center, the delegation explored academia-industry collaboration in pharmaceuticals and smart grids. They also discussed international internships and commercialization at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
The delegation continued their trip in UK onto the University of Bristol on June 3, warmly received by Vice-Chancellor and President Prof. Evelyn Welch and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Liang-Fong Wong. The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding, focusing on student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and innovation partnerships.
Recalling her visit to Guangzhou, Professor Welch said that the sister-city relationship as a foundation for cooperation between universities.
A total of 16 students from University of Bristol have applied for HKUST (GZ)’s Playshop of Language and Cultural Exprience summer camp. Their enthusiam to such kind of student mobility program means a good start of concrete collaboration, said President Ni.
The delegation engaged in discussions with Bristol’s faculty members on joint research in areas like AI, climate change, and green finance. Both sides agreed to hold online seminars to enhance mutural understanding and trust.
After the Bristol visit, Professor Lei Chen proceeded to the University of Manchester, Professor Ye Qi to the University of Cambridge, and Professor Shuncheng LEE to Imperial College London for further visits.
