In one of the most significant higher education missions in years, a delegation of Australia's university leaders will travel to China next week to renew partnerships in education, research and innovation.
Led by Universities Australia Chair Professor Carolyn Evans and supported by Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy, the delegation will visit Shenzhen and Beijing to strengthen cooperation in areas critical to both nations, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health and technology.
A key highlight of the visit will be the inaugural Australia-China Leaders Dialogue, held alongside the renewal of the Universities Australia-China Education Association for International Exchange Memorandum of Understanding, formalising the next phase of sector-to-sector cooperation.
Professor Evans said the visit reflects the enduring importance of education in the bilateral relationship and the shared benefits of collaboration.
"Education has long been one of the strongest and most stable bridges between Australia and China," Professor Evans said.
"After years of disruption caused by the pandemic and broader geopolitical issues, this visit marks the start of a new era - one focused on innovation, collaboration and solving shared challenges.
"Australia's and China's universities have a proud record of working together to advance knowledge, strengthen industry capability and build the people-to-people links that underpin our relationship."
The delegation includes Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors and senior university leaders from across Australia, representing the breadth of the nation's higher education system.
Mr Sheehy said the visit comes at an important time for both nations, as universities look to build the skills, technologies and partnerships that will shape the next decade and beyond.
"China is one of Australia's most important partners in education, research and innovation," Mr Sheehy said.
"Engagement of this kind is essential - it's how we ensure Australia's universities remain globally connected, informed and competitive.
"Responsible international collaboration strengthens our national capability, drives economic opportunity and helps us manage shared risks in an increasingly complex world."
The visit will include engagements with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, and leading companies including Mindray, BYD and Alibaba.
Professor Evans will deliver a keynote address at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing on 30 October, joining global education leaders to discuss the future of international collaboration and innovation.
The five-day visit runs from 27 - 31 October 2025.
