July 16, 2019, by Emma Thorne

Innovation collaboration with China’s top University

The University of Nottingham and Tsinghua University has signed an agreement to strengthen research and innovation collaboration.

Ranked No. 1 in China and Asia, Tsinghua University also tops the list with the budget of nearly RMB 30bn (circa £3bn) for 2019, of which RMB 590m (over £60m) is being invested in science and technology. The University of Nottingham has recently launched its ambitious global research strategy led by significant investments in six Beacons of Research Excellence. Both parties have a shared vision to tackle global challenges such as climate change and health.

A senior and large delegation from Tsinghua University, led by Dr JIN Qinxian, Vice Secretary-General; Dean, Office of Technology Transfer, Tsinghua University Beijing & Director of Beijing Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute was hosted by Professor Dame Jessica Corner PVC, for Research and Knowledge Exchange and Professor Robert Mokaya, PVC for Global Engagement. The visit followed on from Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of the United Kingdom, who visited Tsinghua University in May.

A wide ranging Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the collaboration focusing on developing mutually beneficial research partnerships, student and faculty exchange.

Professor Corner said “Strengthening our research and knowledge exchange relationship with Tsinghua University is an important part of our global strategy and enables us to share innovative models of collaboration. I am looking forward to seeing the results of this world class relationship.”

The visit included visits to the University Innovation Park and Energy Research Accelerator and presentations on Medical Health Technologies; Sustainable Chemistry; and a meeting with Professor John Atherton, PVC for Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science showcasing the University’s leading research. The delegation also visited one of the University of Nottingham’s key partners, BioCity, UK’s largest biotechnology incubator.

Dr JIN said “Nottingham is a truly global university and I am deeply impressed with its research vision and how it deploys a strategy and a strong mechanism to deliver its ambitions. Tsinghua and Nottingham have shared interest in developing low carbon energy technologies and healthcare technologies. I look forward to our fruitful collaboration in science and innovation”.

Dr Richard Masterman Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Strategy and Performance “Signing an MOU with Tsinghua University is a milestone in Nottingham’s relationship with China’s top University. Nottingham and Tsinghua have agreed to work together for mutual benefit in a wide range of research and knowledge exchange areas, including healthcare technologies, sustainable chemistry and energy using mechanisms that will accelerate innovation outcomes.”

Helena Ou, Senior Science Policy Advisor from the British Embassy, who supported the development of this partnership, was delighted to witness this moment, said “I wish this partnership between these top universities in the UK and China a start of broad and deep collaborations that will bear win-win fruits, a promising part of the ongoing UK China golden era”.

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