To further advance educational opening-up in the new era and expand substantive collaboration between our university and higher education institutions in the UK and Ireland, Liu Guiyou, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President, recently led a delegation to both countries. The delegation visited the Open University(OU) , the Cambridge University’s Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI), Munster Technological University in Ireland, and the Tyndall National Institute. The delegation included representatives from the Human Resources Office, Academic Affairs Office, School of Design, and the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.
On June 26, the delegation visited OU and held talks with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Devendra Kodwani. Professor Kodwani warmly welcomed the delegation and provided a detailed overview of the university’s history, achievements, educational model, and potential areas for collaboration. Vice President Liu Guiyou introduced our university’s practices in degree education and continuing education, as well as its development prospects and opportunities. He expressed gratitude for OU’s long-standing support in faculty training. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on curriculum development, research collaboration, and enhancing faculty digital teaching capabilities, reaching broad consensus and laying a solid foundation for deeper cooperation.
On June 27, the delegation visited DEFI, meeting with Professor Rupert Wegerif, the center’s founder, and Dr. Kevin Martin, Executive Director. The two sides reviewed the outcomes of the 2024 joint Comprehensive Capacity Enhancement Program for Teachers in the Digital Age and agreed to further enrich faculty training curricula, strengthen collaboration, and expand its scope and depth to elevate the internationalization of our university’s faculty.
During the visit, the delegation also conducted field research at a London-based art college, a community education partner of OU, and Parkside Community College near Cambridge. The delegation gained insights into the diverse forms of community education in the UK, providing valuable references for exploring innovative approaches to community education at our university.
On June 30, the delegation visited Munster Technological University Ireland, inspecting its teaching facilities and campus environment. Talks were held with Ronan Syron, Head of International Cooperation Department, among others, during which both sides exchanged ideas and reached preliminary agreements on joint student training in art and design, credit recognition, and faculty exchanges. Vice President Liu Guiyou stated that JSOU would continue deepening art education collaboration with Munster Technological University, contributing to Sino-Irish higher education cooperation and cultural exchange.
On the same day, the delegation visited the Tyndall National Institute of Ireland, gaining an in-depth understanding of its cutting-edge research in new energy technology, environmental science and engineering, and its mature mechanisms for translating research into industry applications. The two sides discussed key topics such as joint research platforms, interdisciplinary talent training, and industry-academia collaboration, establishing a strong foundation for future cooperation.
This visit has pragmatically advanced collaboration between our university and leading institutions in the UK and Ireland, serving as a critical step in expanding global partnerships and significantly enhancing the quality of internationalized education.