Enhancing links with China

Five-day visit cements existing relationships and explores new partnerships and collaborations on teaching, research and student experience.

Professor Paul Milbourne and Dr Li YU from Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning visited China from September 7 to 12 2018. They visited four Chinese universities during their trip – Chongqing University, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Southwest University and Suzhou University of Science and Technology.

Several meetings were held with senior staff including university Vice-Presidents and the Deans of schools of architecture, urban planning and geography.

Professor Milbourne, Head of the School of Geography and Planning, explained the purpose of the visit and the scope of the meetings: “We have a long and proud history of cooperation and innovation with our academic partners in China. This trip was an opportunity to celebrate existing relationships and explore new ways of working together.”

Collaboration

Several future collaborations were discussed during the visit including:

• the establishment of a joint research and education institute (and/or programmes) across undergraduate and postgraduate provision;
• the establishment of a joint city and regional research centre and laboratory in big data and GIS;
• creation of a joint PhD programme;
• creation of an undergraduate exchange programme;
• creation of a summer school programme;
• and, identifying potential cities for student field study visits to China.

Professor Milbourne added: “We discussed a wide range of potential future initiatives, all of which would strengthen our ties with China and create new bonds of friendship and collegiality. We are committed to developing bold new research collaborations tied to our specialisms in human geography and urban planning, as well as promoting exciting opportunities for increased international student mobility.”

During the visit to China, Professor Milbourne signed a renewal agreement with the Chongqing Jiaotong University for the popular MSc Eco-Cities programme, where the School welcomes a number of Chinese students on exchange to Cardiff.