New XJTLU campus announced during state visit by UK Prime Minister

Plans for a new campus for Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University were unveiled today as the UK Prime Minister Theresa May continues her state visit to China accompanied by University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Janet Beer.

Professor Dame Janet Beer (left, wearing a red scarf) and other members of the Prime Minister’s delegation attended the launch of a new ‘English is GREAT’ campaign in Wuhan, a new initiative to promote English language learning in China and one of several new education deals between the two countries.

The new XJTLU campus, to be constructed in the city of Taicang, will mirror aspects of XJTLU’s existing provision, offering a high calibre, international higher education experience with the opportunity to study both in China and in the United Kingdom. It is proposed that the campus will open in 2020 and it is anticipated to grow to a community of 6,000 students by 2025.

Dame Janet said: “XJTLU has established itself as an outstanding example of Sino-British collaboration in higher education. I am delighted that the University of Liverpool, together with XJTLU and Xi’an Jiaotong University, and in partnership with the Taicang City Government, are building on this international success.

The new campus will forge innovative, dynamic relationships between the University, local companies and society, providing highly-skilled, international graduates and contributing to the knowledge economy.”

The new campus will enable new and innovative links to be formed between XJTLU, industry and the local community in Taicang, supporting sustainable development and providing opportunities for students to spend time working with and within the city’s expanding industrial base. A key focus will be to develop graduates in science and technology with expertise in AI and robotics who will go on to lead new industries.

Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU said: “The new Taicang campus meets our ambitious mission to develop the university of the future, establishing a new relationship between the university and companies, industries and the wider community.’

The proposed campus in Taicang will include space dedicated to research, learning and teaching, and innovation and entrepreneurship. It will also have a dedicated library, sports facilities and accommodation for students and staff and be designed to support an international community in an eco-friendly environment.

The new campus is expected to contribute to the overall growth of XJTLU to 24,000 students by 2028.

story and photo provided by the University of Liverpool;
edited by Jacqueline Bánki and Danny Abbasi