A Promising Visit: Minzu University of China

25 Jul 2024

On July 23rd, a delegation from the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China visited the School of Science at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, including Professor Yan Zhang, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Professor Weili Lin, HoD of Chemistry and Environment Science, Professor Sha Shi, HoD of Biology, Professor Yong Cheng, Head of the Center for Translational Neuropsychology, Dr. Zhengyu Jin, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Environment Science Department, and Ms. Qiao Wang, School Manager.

Dr. Peng Zhao from the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Science, XJTLU hosted the morning session. Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science, Dr. Sekar Raju, Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Jia Meng, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Eric Amigues, Acting Head of the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Lifeng Ding, Officer for Global Engagement and Community Outreach, Dr. Zheng Chen, Deputy Head, Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Shuihua Wang, Director PhD Studies and PGRS, and Dr. Lei Han, Program Director BSc Environmental Sciences from the School of Science attended the meeting. The two sides shared the basic information and the key research directions of their respective Schools, aiming to promote academic exchange and research collaborations in the field of science between the two universities.

Minzu University of China is a university jointly established by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, the Ministry of Education and the Beijing Municipality. The College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES), previously named Department of Biology and Chemistry, was founded in 1986. In 2002, it was renamed the College of Life and Environmental Sciences. Currently, the college offers 6 different undergraduate programmes, including Biological Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, and Sino-foreign Cooperative Education - Environmental Science.

During the meeting, representatives from the two sides introduced their respective academic programmes and key research initiatives. Professor Yan Zhang, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, gave a comprehensive introduction of the history of the establishment of the college, institutional framework, and major scientific research achievements.

Professor Weili Lin, HoD of Chemistry and Environment Science, Professor Sha Shi, HoD of Biology, Professor Yong Cheng, Head of the Center for Translational Neuropsychology, Dr. Zhengyu Jin, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Environment Science Department respectively shared their areas of impressive expertise within their departments and research centers and their current and exciting scientific research directions.

Professor John Moraros, Dean of the School of Science at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, introduced the overall School faculty and programmes, and shared the outstanding achievements in various research fields. Dr. Sekar Raju, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in the School of Science, introduced the key academic information such as teaching mode, curriculum, and degree information.

Professor John Moraros, Dean, School of Science at XJTLU said: "The true value of collaboration lies in the strong connection and mutual understanding and respect between people. We highly value today's opportunity to establish deeper connections with the highly esteemed Minzu University of China and explore future collaboration opportunities. We look forward to establishing a mutually beneficial partnership that will broaden our students' and faculty's academic perspectives and research interests and provide them with practical opportunities to engage and achieve a deep integration of knowledge and scientific discovery. It is through innovative thinking and collaborative work in research, that we can help promote and make significant advances in the scientific frontiers."

Professor Yan Zhang, Dean of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China said: "Through this visit, the two Schools and Universities conducted in-depth exploratory discussions in their respective research fields, shared their exciting latest research results and technical application experience. This visit provided a valuable learning experience and exchange platform for our researchers from both Schools to work together and lay a solid foundation for future collaboration and promising cooperation."

Interview: Luyao Wang

Review: Professor John Moraros, Dr Peng Zhao

25 Jul 2024