An interdisciplinary network that enables cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between University of Exeter academics and counterparts in China has held its second annual conference.
The Global Thought Network drew speakers from different fields when it met at Fudan University in Shanghai, over two days in April - its inaugural staging in China.
These included staff and students, early career researchers and senior academics from across the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and among the topics discussed were citizenship, cultural imagination, and global histories.
Professor Li Li, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global) in HASS, led the delegation to Fudan, where they were warmly received by the university's Vice-President, Professor Chen Zhimin. In his opening remarks to launch the Conference, Prof Zhimin praised the interdisciplinary nature of the conference programme and the range of scholarly works being discussed.
"We are in a world of turbulence and uncertainty," he said in his opening address. "We are at a very critical juncture, and we need to understand the past but also try to make use of the power of the imagination so that we can have a much better consensus as to what the future can and should be like."
In total, 20 speakers took to the stage, and four panels were convened, covering the conference's strategic themes. Prof Zhimin remarked upon the growing importance of the network as a means of sustaining international dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding.
"The Global Thought Network represents an exemplary model of international academic collaboration in an era of complex global challenges," he said. "This partnership between Fudan and Exeter embodies our shared commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary innovation. Through meaningful intellectual exchange, we are not only deepening our understanding of historical, linguistic, and cultural connections but also developing new frameworks for addressing pressing global issues. As we celebrate this successful symposium, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership and creating opportunities for scholars and students to engage in transformative research that bridges East and West perspectives."
From its origins as an online forum, the GTN's annual in-person conference is emerging as a flagship event between the two universities. Its focus is on raising the profile of world-leading research in humanities, arts and social sciences disciplines, establishing opportunities for deepening collaboration between academics, and brainstorming new project ideas. The Conference is also an opportunity for young researchers and students to learn more about opportunities at each partner in research and education.
This year's conference also featured a dedicated book display, showcasing publications by Exeter and Fudan academics participating in the event. They represented a range of academic disciplines, including History, Modern Languages, Education and HASS, Cornwall, and were supported by the Global Partnerships office.
"The Exeter-Fudan Global Thought Network has a shared belief that academic exchange, grounded in openness and global purpose, could spark something meaningful," added Prof Li Li, co-founding director. "Both universities bring to this partnership not only a commitment to interdisciplinary impact, to environmental and social responsibility, and to transformative education, but also a rich legacy of scholarship, deep expertise, and a global outlook that continues to grow in influence and reach. Together, we are co-creating a future that is thoughtful, critical, and above all, connected."
