Institute strengthens ties with China

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Tags: centenary-edition, China, international, languages, Science

Professor Liu Jianping and Professor Paul Greenfield sign the Confucius Institute agreement

The University of Queensland has established the nation’s first Confucius Institute focusing on China’s contributions to the advancement of science, engineering and technology.

UQ formalised the partnership with Tianjin University on October 2 – one day after the 60th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield and Chairman of the Tianjin University Administrative Council Professor Liu Jianping, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective universities at UQ’s St Lucia campus.

Inaugural Director, Professor Ping Chen, said the UQ Confucius Institute would strengthen education and research cooperation between Australia and China, particularly in the fields of language, culture, science, engineering and technology.

“It will be a gateway to Chinese language and culture, and a gateway to China for UQ students and staff, and for the broader community,” Professor Chen said.

The UQ Confucius Institute will aim to generate increased interest in Chinese studies by Australian students, and strengthen science, engineering and technology linkages.

Activities will include promoting exchange between UQ staff and students with Chinese universities, hosting visiting researchers and scholars, and arranging high-level delegations and connections with Chinese universities, research institutions, government and corporations.

The institute will be situated within the Faculty of Arts at UQ’s St Lucia campus and will involve the faculties of Science and Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.

By Penny Robinson

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