SUSTech research experts visit Birmingham for partnership talks

Researchers from the Southern University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTech) visited the University of Birmingham to explore opportunities for research collaboration and to extend the existing doctoral training programme.

Senior academics from the Shenzhen-based institution came to Birmingham for a two-day workshop to discuss partnership working. They also made progress in developing the future shape of the joint PhD programme.

Professor Jon Frampton, Director of the China Institute, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (China) and Professor of Stem Cell Biology, said “We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from SUSTech and their visit to the University of Birmingham has proved invaluable in progressing our partnership in research and teaching.

“SUSTech is an ambitious and forward-thinking institution that shares our pioneering attitude towards higher education and research. Our partnership is testament to the University of Birmingham’s growing reputation in China - another exciting opportunity for our researchers to collaborate with peers from across the globe.”

Some 20-30 PhD students will be recruited each year and registered for a Birmingham degree - spending one year in Birmingham, supervised by both a Birmingham and a SUSTech academic. Professor Sir David Eastwood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, and President Shiyi Chen of SUSTech signed an agreement last year to develop the programme.

SUSTech is a new university founded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government and led by the Guangdong Provincial Government. In 2012, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of SUSTech as an innovative pilot for higher education reform in China.

SUSTech aims rapidly to build itself into an international university with advanced teaching and research capabilities, and cultivating talents in science and technology catering to market demands.

The delegation was led by Professor Tao TANG, Vice President for Research at SUSTech, who said: “We aim to build SUSTech in to a top-tier university that excels in research and innovation. The University of Birmingham is a world-class institution with a strong reputation in both aspects and collaboration between our universities will bring mutual benefit to both sides."

• The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries.
• The visiting delegation comprised of: Professor Tao TANG, Vice President for Research; Professor Roderick WONG, Special Adviser to SUSTech President; Professor Yiming RONG, Head of Mechanical and Energy Engineering; Professor Qiang ZHU, Mechanical and Energy Engineering; Professor Georgios THEODOROPOULOS, Computer Science and Engineering; and Professor Wei CHEN, Biology.