ANU, Peking University to explore greater exchanges
From left, Professor Jacqueline Lo and Professor Paul Pickering of CASS, and PKU's Professor Li Chenjian, agreed to explore collaborations and exchanges.
The Australian National University and Peking University have agreed to explore greater collaboration and exchanges between Australian and Chinese academics, particularly in Australian and Chinese studies.
Leaders of both institutions have in Canberra signed a Memorandum of Understanding to spark conversations about specific collaborations, starting with identifying faculty staff, postgraduate students, and research staff.
CASS Dean, Professor Paul Pickering, and PKU Professor Xudong Zhang, Vice Dean of Humanities, are the designated officials of both institutions who will oversee and enact the MOU, in cooperation with other staff.
“Professor Pickering and I had very good discussions with PKU’s Vice Provost Professor Li Chenjian about education and research planning in humanities and social sciences across our two institutions,” CASS Associate Dean (International) Professor Jacqueline Lo, said.
“We have much in common as two of the region’s most prestigious research intensive universities.”
The ANU and visiting PKU delegations shared information and experiences on how to improve high-quality research and education performance.
Professor Lo added she was looking forward to developing stronger cooperation including faculty and student exchanges.
The MOU also encourages both universities to identify other institutions that could join their cooperation initiative.
In March, Professor Pickering, PhD candidate Qing Guan (School of Demography), Dr Benjamin Jones (School of History) and Dr Yujie Zhu (Centre for Heritage and Museum Studies) attended a conference in Beijing on theories of civilization. It was hosted by PKU, the University of Tokyo, and New York University.
Professor Pickering said the standard of presentations was extremely high, with ANU colleagues representing the university with distinction.