Tsinghua deepens collaboration with UK institutions

From November 13 to 15, Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee and Chairperson of the University Council, led a delegation from Tsinghua University to the United Kingdom. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration with leading UK universities and advancing partnerships in education, science, and humanities. During the trip, Qiu attended the Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education and engaged in discussions with leaders from the University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Exeter.

Qiu Yong meets with Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge.

Qiu and the Tsinghua delegation visited the University of Cambridge on November 14, where they held a comprehensive meeting with Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge. During the discussion, Qiu outlined Tsinghua’s initiatives in enhancing its college system to cultivate innovative and exceptional talents, as well as its efforts to implement a global strategy aimed at broadening the university’s international vision and influence. He emphasized the long-standing and fruitful relationship between Tsinghua and Cambridge, highlighting the extensive collaboration in areas such as talent development, scientific research, and faculty-student exchanges, which have established a strong foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation in both science and the humanities. Qiu also expressed optimism for the future, proposing that the two universities continue to deepen their partnership by working together to drive educational transformation, promote technological innovation, and integrate social development. In response, Professor Prentice commended the achievements of their collaboration and expressed her desire to strengthen communication between the two institutions, particularly in fostering connections among young people to promote mutual understanding and friendship while addressing global challenges collaboratively. 

Qiu Yong takes a group photo with Dame Madeleine Atkins and others while visiting the Cavendish Laboratory.

The delegation also toured the Cavendish Laboratory, gaining insights into Cambridge’s pioneering research at the forefront of science and innovation. They then visited the Lucy Cavendish College, where they met with Dame Madeleine Atkins, President of Lucy Cavendish College. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tsinghua’s Yinghua Scholars Program and Zhili College with Lucy Cavendish College, marking a significant step in strengthening academic cooperation.

Qiu Yong poses for a photo with Michael Spence, President & Provost of University College London.

Tsinghua University and the London School of Economics and Political Science sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

During their visit to the UK, Qiu and the delegation also engaged with the leaders of UCL, LSE, and the University of Exeter to discuss deepening collaboration in areas such as talent development, research innovation, medical education, and sustainable development. A MoU was signed with LSE to advance joint efforts on climate change and sustainable development, reflecting the shared commitment to tackling global challenges. With the University of Exeter, an agreement was formalized to establish the Tsinghua-Exeter Joint Institute for Global Humanities, with Qiu and Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of Exeter, unveiling the new center together. Additionally, the first-phase results of the Digital Archive of the Middle East (DAME) Project, a collaborative project between Tsinghua and the University of Exeter, were delivered, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. These efforts underscore Tsinghua’s dedication to fostering multidisciplinary, cross-border collaboration to address pressing global issues.

Qiu Yong attended the Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education and witnessed the launch of a new book.

At the 8th Annual Conference of the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education, held at UCL on November 15, Qiu highlighted the vital role of humanities in fostering mutual understanding, trust, and global progress. He emphasized that higher education is not only about nurturing talent and preserving culture but also about driving social transformation and shaping the future. Themed “Worlds and Worldviews,” this year’s conference explored Comparative and World Literature, Arts and Humanities Education from Different Positionalities, and Environmental Humanities, including notions of planetarity and different ontologies. Qiu noted that these dialogues allow scholars from diverse backgrounds to share insights, tackle academic challenges, and inspire innovative thinking, reinforcing the alliance’s role as a bridge for collaboration and understanding between China and the UK. The forum brought together over 100 participants, including experts, scholars, and student representatives from 20 universities across China and the UK, fostering vibrant discussions and exchanges.

Qiu Yong visited the Confucius Institute for Business London (CIBL).

As part of their engagements in the UK, Qiu and the delegation visited the Confucius Institute for Business London (CIBL), highlighting its role in fostering cultural exchange. He also met with Tsinghua alumni in the UK to discuss their contributions to China-UK relations and visited the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK, where he exchanged views with Ambassador Zheng Zeguang on expanding Tsinghua’s collaborations with various sectors in the UK. Prominent representatives from Tsinghua participated in the visit, reflecting the university’s dedication to fostering meaningful global connections.

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Writer: Gillian Tang

Editor：Li Han

Designer: Fang Si

Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan