A delegation from Peking University (PKU), led by its President, Professor Gong Qihuang, visited Durham to reinforce our long-standing strategic partnership.
The visit, which included meetings with our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien, culminated in the renewal of our institutional Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Whilst in Durham, the delegation gained first-hand insight into the distinctive Durham student experience by exploring our collegiate system.
A deepening collaboration
Our collaboration with PKU, first formalised in 2010, is one of our most significant international partnerships.
It has flourished across numerous disciplines including Modern Languages, Earth Sciences, Law, Classics and Science.
This has resulted in more than 60 co-authored research papers in the last four years and a growing number of student exchanges.
Research and education links are also expanding in other areas, supported by recent departmental visits and new connections made in Archaeology, Psychology and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
Expanding opportunities
The renewed MoU establishes a framework to expand this successful partnership.
It paves the way for new initiatives, including proposed joint master's programme and increased opportunities for student and staff exchange.
Both institutions also agreed to explore the possibility of running joint degree programmes.
Professor Karen O'Brien said: "It was a great pleasure to welcome our colleagues from Peking University.
"The visit reaffirms the enduring partnership and mutual respect between our two universities.
"Our collaboration in research and education continues to grow in depth and scope, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing knowledge and creating global opportunities for our students and scholars."
'Deeply impressive'
Professor Gong Qihuang, President of Peking University, said: "My sincere thanks to our colleagues at Durham for their warm hospitality.
"Though brief, our visit was deeply impressive, particularly the opportunity to learn about your distinctive collegiate system.
"As we mark the 15th anniversary of our partnership, I am delighted by the growing strength of our partnership.
"Following Vice-Chancellor Professor O'Brien's visit to PKU last October, we look forward to continuing this exchange.
"We are committed to a shared future, one that will see us deepen academic research ties and expand valuable opportunities for student and staff exchange."
