President of Nanjing University Lyu Jian headed a delegation to UK and Finland from January 23 to 29, 2019, to strengthen high-level international cooperation and exchange at the invitation of King’s College London, The Russell Group, University of Cambridge, and University of Helsinki.
On the delegation were Vice President Zhang Junfeng and representatives of the School of Atmospheric Sciences, Medical School and Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.
Visiting King’s College London and promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two universities
On January 24, the Nanjing University delegation visited Strand Campus of King College London and was greeted by the President/Principal Edward Byrne.
Present at meeting were Provost/Senior Vice President (Health) Professor Sir Robert Lechier, Provost/Senior Vice President (Arts & Sciences) Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice President (Quality, Strategy & Innovation) Chris Mottershead, Deputy Vice President Tayyeb Shar, and directors of School of Medicine, Lau China Institute and International Office.
Meeting at King’s College London
During the meeting, the two universities held extensive discussions on strengthening the work on the Joint Research Institute of Medicine, on establishing strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation between the two universities, and on cooperation in the studies of chemistry, mathematics, atmospheric sciences, business studies and sociology.
President Lyu noted that the calling of economic and social transformation of the current time and the backdrop of innovation-driven development in Jiangsu Province, especially in Nanjing, provide an ample opportunity to give full play to Nanjing University’s strengths in fundamental research and to increase the width and depth of its cooperation with King’s College London.
President/Principal Byrne and representatives of Nanjing Jiangbei New District responded enthusiastically, and the three parties agreed to move forward from the current cooperation on the Joint Research Institute of Medicine and employ problem-oriented interdisciplinary methods in exploring new models of cooperation that integrate government, industry, university and research in a broader scope and in more areas.
Then, Nanjing University’s medical delegation, led by Vice President Zhang Junfeng, discussed in detail the work on the Joint Research Institute of Medicine with Deputy Vice President Tayyeb Shar, Director of School of Medicine Richard Trembath and others from King’s College, the institute of medicine being the joint project of the two universities.
Meanwhile, the university delegation, led by President Lyu, expounded concrete and down-to-earth measures of cooperation with heads and professors from King’s College’s faculties of computer science, chemistry, mathematics, sociology, King’s Business School, dental institute and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. The discussions laid sound foundations for all-round cooperation between the two universities.
In the afternoon, Nanjing University’s delegation visited the Biomedical Research Institute, Stem Cell Center and Dental Institute. The two universities explored ideas of deepening the two-party cooperation in medical health at the “International Health City” in Nanjing Jiangbei New District,
Visiting the Russell Group and discussing the “Jiangsu-Russell Group Innovation & Entrepreneurship League”
On the morning of January 25, President Lyu and his delegation visited the Russell Group and exchanged views with representatives of over ten universities, including CEO of the Russell Group Tim Bradshaw, pro-vice-chancellor of University of Glasgow, and pro-vice-chancellor of University of Exeter.
Representatives of the Russell Group, University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, University of York, University of Leeds, University of Durham all shared their experience of cooperation with universities in Jiangsu Province.
Then, President Lyu proposed the idea of setting up a “Jiangsu-Russell Group Innovation & Entrepreneurship League,” discussed the significance to universities of the paradigm shift in the new era, shared his thoughts on the theme of “Innovation & Entrepreneurship,” and pinpointed its feasibility and necessity of an “innovation and entrepreneurship league.” Lyu’s remarks received warm response, and the representatives at the meeting enriched the proposal with details and implementation strategies based on the experiences of their own work.
Visiting Cambridge University and signing the agreement on information sociology research
On the afternoon of January 25, the Nanjing University delegation visited Cambridge University.
In the presence of President Lyu, Vice President Zhang Junfeng signed on behalf of Nanjing University the cooperation agreement titled “Cambridge-Nanjing International Joint Information and Social Research Plan” with Eilis Ferran, pro-vice-chancellor (international affairs) of Cambridge University.
Professor John Thompson from Department of Sociology attended the signing ceremony.
Meanwhile, the delegation paid a field visit to learn about the research on life sciences and medical sciences at Cambridge University, which provides the foundation for cooperation with Nanjing University.
The delegation also listened to the briefing by Antonio Vidal-Puig, director of the Institute of Metabolic Science, and discussed with him the work of strengthening the two universities’ cooperation in areas of life and health.
Signing Ceremony at Cambridge University
Afterwards, the delegation attended the inauguration ceremony of the Nanjing Jiangbei New District-Cambridge Innovation Center at Cambridge University. The center was reported to be the second of its type set up in UK by Nanjing Jiangbei New District and is also an important pivot for a comprehensive overseas innovation network.
Founding of Nanjing University Alumni Association in UK
On the morning of January 26, the Nanjing University delegation attended the founding ceremony of the Nanjing University Alumni Association in UK.
The ceremony was organized by Professor Chu Daping with help from Nanjing University General Alumni Association. Chu is a renowned alumnus of Nanjing University and director of the Center for Optoelectronics and Photonics of Cambridge University.
As president of Nanjing University General Alumni Association, Lyu presented a flag to the UK branch.
In his subsequent speech, Lyu expressed his gratitude to overseas alumni on behalf of Nanjing University for the support they have been giving to the development of their alma mater.
He shared with the alumni the visions of building Nanjing University in the new era and proposed the idea of “Greater Nanjing University,” that is, “where there are alumni of Nanjing University, there is Nanjing University.”
His speech received enthusiastic response from the alumni.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge Ian White, Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy in UK Xia Jianhui, and representatives of alumni associations of brother universities congratulated the association on its establishment and made speeches at the ceremony.
Director of Nanjing University’s Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges Li Xiaorong took the opportunity to explain the recruitment policies for overseas talents and called upon them to return and work at Nanjing University.
Founding Ceremony of Nanjing University Alumni Association in UK
President Lyu Jian presents a flag to Nanjing University Alumni Association in UK.
Visiting University of Helsinki and planning for new cooperation and experiment between the two universities
On January 27, the Nanjing University delegation paid a field visit to the SMEAR observatory, 200 kilometers away from Helsinki, and saw the development and scientific achievements of the world’s leading research base, headed by Markku Kumala, an internationally-prestigious meteorologist and Chinese Government Friendship Award winner.
Visiting the SMEAR observatory
On January 28, the Nanjing University delegation was given a warm welcome by Rector of University of Helsinki Jari Niemeläand and the university’s chancellor Karrle Hämeri.
The two universities exchanged their experiences in building high-level universities, listened to the briefing on the international laboratory, which was jointly built by Markku Kumala’s team and the School of Atmospheric Sciences of Nanjing University.
Based on the cooperation on earlier stages, the two universities are planning to strengthen the joint base building and people-to-people exchange, expand the joint talent training programs, and build an internship base featuring international research for undergraduates.
Visiting University of Helsinki
During the visit to UK, the Nanjing University delegation was also given a welcome reception by the Science and Technology Section of the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
President Lyu and Minister Counselor Jiang Sunan discussed their views on cooperation with UK and further discussed the thoughts and methods for improving Nanjing University’s cooperation with the UK.
Source: Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges
