Vice President Zhang Yonghui Leads Delegation to Strengthen Educational Ties in Australia
Zhang Yonghui, Vice President of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), led a delegation to Australia from February 19 to 22, visiting Monash University (MU) and the University of Queensland (UQ). The purpose of the visit was to strengthen partnerships between universities, with an emphasis on enhancing practical collaboration in interdisciplinary areas such as medicine and engineering. Additionally, the delegation engaged with alumni in Melbourne and Brisbane to discuss the development of the university and foster connections.
Visit to Monash University
At Monash University, Vice President Zhang met with several key faculty members, including Professor Matthew Gillespie, Vice-Provost; Professor Yiannis Ventikos, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; and Professor James Whisstock, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. During the meetings, Gillespie welcomed the delegation and highlighted the potential for collaboration, particularly in establishing student exchange programs, joint PhD training initiatives, and industrial partnerships.
Collaboration in Engineering and Medicine
Zhang articulated a desire to deepen existing cooperation in engineering while exploring new opportunities in medicine and pharmacy. He suggested the creation of a dialogue platform through joint seminars and scholar matchmaking to promote future bilateral cooperation. Furthermore, discussions included leveraging the development of the Junshan International Campus to co-establish laboratories and accelerate collaborative efforts in Industry-University-Research partnerships.
Meetings at the University of Queensland
At the University of Queensland, Zhang met with Vice-President Rongyu Li and Professor Alan Rowan, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure). Li noted the strengthening of bilateral cooperation over recent years and commenced discussions on practical collaborations, including the establishment of a Healthy Aging Institute. Rowan recognized HUST’s advancements in engineering and medicine and expressed a commitment to expanding collaborative initiatives.
Participation in Med-X Roundtable
The delegation’s activities included participation in the Med-X Roundtable for Academic and Educational Innovation. This event featured representatives from the Queensland Brain Institute and the Institute of Medical Equipment Science and Engineering, who shared insights on cultivating interdisciplinary talent and future collaborations.
Alumni Engagement Activities
Additionally, alumni exchange events took place in Melbourne and Brisbane, where alumni members connected, rekindled friendships, and received alumni cards from Vice President Zhang. Alumni representatives expressed appreciation for HUST’s continued support and positioned the university as a significant supporter and spiritual home for overseas graduates, while also pledging to assist in its growth as a global academic institution.
Delegation Composition
The delegation included members from HUST’s Office of International Affairs, Tongji Medical College, Alumni Association, and various schools and institutes, all of which aimed to enhance collaboration in academic and research efforts.
(Source: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)
