Tsinghua University Strengthens Partnerships with UK Institutions for Educational and Scientific Collaboration
A delegation from Tsinghua University, led by Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee and Chairperson of the University Council, visited the United Kingdom from November 13 to 15. The visit aimed to strengthen relationships with prominent UK universities and enhance collaborations in education, science, and the humanities. During the trip, Qiu participated in the Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education and engaged with leaders from several notable institutions, including the University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Exeter.
Meeting at the University of Cambridge
On November 14, during a meeting at the University of Cambridge, Qiu outlined Tsinghua’s initiatives to enhance its college system, which focuses on cultivating innovative talent and expanding its global strategy. He noted the long-standing partnership with Cambridge, which includes elements of talent development, research initiatives, and student exchange programs. Qiu expressed a commitment to further deepen this relationship by emphasizing educational transformation, technological innovation, and social development. Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, highlighted the achievements of this collaboration and stressed the importance of ongoing communication and understanding between the two institutions.
Academic Collaborations Established
The delegation also toured the Cavendish Laboratory and visited Lucy Cavendish College, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to reinforce academic collaboration through Tsinghua’s Yinghua Scholars Program.
During discussions with UCL, LSE, and the University of Exeter, agreements were made to enhance collaboration in various fields, including medical education and sustainable development. A MoU was signed with LSE to collaborate on climate change initiatives, underscoring a shared commitment to tackling global challenges. Additionally, a formal agreement established the Tsinghua-Exeter Joint Institute for Global Humanities, and significant advancements were reported regarding the Digital Archive of the Middle East (DAME) project.
Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance
At the 8th Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education, Qiu emphasized the role of the humanities in fostering understanding and trust across cultures. He noted that the conference themes would promote scholarly dialogue and stimulate innovative thought to confront global issues.
Cultural Exchange Initiatives
The delegation’s activities included a visit to the Confucius Institute for Business London (CIBL) to discuss cultural exchange initiatives and a meeting with Tsinghua alumni in the UK to evaluate their contributions to enhancing China-UK relations. Additionally, discussions were held with Ambassador Zheng Zeguang at the Chinese Embassy in the UK regarding the expansion of collaborative efforts across various sectors.
This visit demonstrates Tsinghua University’s dedication to forging significant global connections and promoting extensive international collaborations in the field of higher education.
(Original source: Tsinghua University)
