From June 14 to 20, President Weng Jian led a Guangzhou University (GU) delegation on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Italy. The delegation visited the University of Cambridge, the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), and the University of Padua, and paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Italy. The mission focused on advancing joint research, faculty-student exchanges, talent recruitment, and Confucius Institute development, while expanding the international reach of the Guangzhou International Sister City University Alliance (GISU).
Cambridge: Scholarly Engagement and Talent Outreach
At Cambridge, the delegation visited the Needham Research Institute, where both sides reached consensus on collaborative studies in the history of East Asian science and technology, scholar exchanges, and joint research initiatives. The delegation was received by the Cambridge Graphene Centre for an in-depth exploration of advancements in two-dimensional materials and flexible electronics, and visited Churchill College for discussions on college governance and interdisciplinary talent cultivation. A dedicated talent recruitment session was held to present GZHU's competitive policies and attract global scholars.
Bristol: Partnership Deepened with New Agreement
Building on the sister-city university relationship, GZHU and UWE Bristol agreed to deepen collaboration in new energy, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, student exchanges, joint laboratories, and dual-degree and doctoral co-supervision programs. A formal joint research agreement on advanced aerospace materials was signed. The delegation also visited the Bristol Robotics Laboratory and hosted a recruitment forum on the sidelines.
Padua: Strengthening Ties Through Renewed Commitment
At the University of Padua, the two institutions renewed their bilateral MoU, broadening cooperation to include industrial engineering and cultural heritage preservation. The delegation attended the Confucius Institute Board meeting to support its quality-driven growth, held research discussions with the Department of Industrial Engineering, viewed multiple laboratories, and exchanged views on Chinese language teaching. The delegation also attended a cultural performance by GU's art troupe.
Embassy Call: Recognition and Way Forward
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Italy, reporting on the productive outcomes of the visit and the continued progress of the Confucius Institute. The Embassy commended the achievements and offered constructive guidance for future bilateral cooperation.
A Mission with Lasting Impact
This visit has produced substantial and wide-ranging results, consolidating GZHU's European partnership network and energizing China-Europe exchanges in education, science and technology, and culture. Above all, it reaffirms GZHU's steadfast resolve to advance its internationalization strategy and pursue globally engaged, high-impact development with renewed confidence and purpose.
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