Yangzhou University Leaders Visit University of Bradford
Delegates from one of China’s leading research technology universities visited the University of Bradford to discuss future collaborations.
Yangzhou University’s senior leadership team, including Vice President Gong Weijuan, Dean Zheng Ying, and other key academic and administrative leaders, met with their counterparts on October 9.
Speaking about the visit, Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation, said: "This engagement with Yangzhou University is a testament to our shared vision of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. We are excited to collaborate on new initiatives that will not only benefit our institutions but also contribute to the global academic community."
Global academic network
The visit was part of the University of Bradford's drive to expand its global reach and enhance its reputation as a leading institution for innovative research and education. One of the showcased projects included a robot arm being developed by Professor Ben Whiteside, pictured above - the university is developing some of the sensors that go inside the arm and which then connect it to nerve endings in the body.
The delegation's visit was filled with a series of strategic meetings, campus tours, and collaborative discussions aimed at fostering stronger ties between the two institutions.
The day began with a warm welcome reception led by Sherif El-Khamisy and Claire Pryke, where the guests were introduced to the University of Bradford's vision for research excellence and international partnerships. This was followed by an engaging visit to the Faculty of Engineering and Digital Technology, where Martin Priest, Iqbal Mujtaba, and Xiaolei Wang showcased the university's state-of-the-art labs and discussed areas of potential research collaboration.
The visit included a trip to the University’s Polymer Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) to look at recent innovations in novel materials and polymer research led by Professor Phil Coates, who has helped pioneer links with Chinese Universities through the Science Bridges China platform.
Claire Pryke, Associate Director of Outreach, Recruitment and Admissions, said: “This visit marked a significant step forward in exploring the partnership between the University of Bradford and Yangzhou University. By fostering international collaborations, we are demonstrating our commitment to building a global academic network, enhancing our research capabilities, and offering students and staff a truly international learning experience.”
The delegation, pictured above, was also hosted by Drs Steven Wu and Jing Li from the School of Management, who engaged in discussions on future business collaborations and international academic partnerships.
The visit concluded with an evening dinner to foster a deeper connection between the two institutions.