From September 15 to 19, Vice President Chen Ge led a delegation to the United Kingdom at the invitation of the host institutions. The delegation visited the University of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Art, the University of Strathclyde, and the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland to deepen international exchanges and cooperation in fashion and design education between China and the UK, as well as to advance the Overseas College of Engineering Excellence.
(Visit to the University of Edinburgh)
At the invitation of the University of Edinburgh, a delegation led by Chen Ge from Donghua University worked in concert with a delegation headed by Hong Liu, Secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and Chairman of the CPPCC Changning District Committee, for a productive meeting with Professor Alan Mackay, Vice-Principal of the University of Edinburgh. Chen Ge noted that the two universities have established a collaborative model anchored by three key pillars of collaboration: Art and Design, Sustainable Fashion, and Interdisciplinary Innovation. Building upon a decade of successful joint educational programs, the parties discussed refining and implementing plans to expand the student intake and develop new academic programs. The talks focused on urban renewal and other critical issues, with a shared commitment to launch collaborative demonstration projects in digital empowerment and green transition, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, thereby forging a new framework for tripartite cooperation between the district and the two universities. The three parties reached a strong consensus on deepening the contribution of Sino-foreign cooperative education to regional economic development. This dialogue also underscored Changning District's high regard for Sino-British higher education and international academic partnerships.
(Visit to the Royal College of Art)
At the Royal College of Art (RCA), our delegation held talks with President Christopher Lindner and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Zey Suka-Bill. Both parties reviewed recent progress and solidified a consensus that in this era of dual transformation—digitalization and sustainability—the deep integration of art design with engineering technology presents a strategic alignment for deepening collaboration. Following the imminent signing of the agreement to co-establish the ‘RCA Shanghai Centre,’ the two institutions will prioritize launching a ‘1+1+1’ postgraduate program and high-end training initiatives.
Furthermore, Chen Ge's delegation visited the University of Strathclyde, meeting with Professor Duncan Graham, Vice-Principal and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Mao Xuerong from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, among other faculty representatives. The discussions culminated in a shared commitment to collaborate on establishing Donghua University's Overseas College of Excellence in Engineering. This initiative aims to jointly cultivate top-tier international engineering talent, deepen industry-academia integration, and facilitate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries.
(Visit to the University of Strathclyde)
At the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland, both parties focused on key areas such as sustainable advanced manufacturing, industrial digitalization, and intelligent manufacturing for in-depth discussions. They will also collaborate with the University of Strathclyde to establish a tripartite partnership for Donghua University Overseas College of Excellence in Engineering, cultivating outstanding talent capable of meeting the demands of global industrial development.
(Visit to the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland)
This visit was closely centered on the theme of ‘Sino-British Design Innovation and Cultivating Top-Talented Engineers.’ It allowed the university to significantly expand and deepen substantive dialogue and practical collaboration with leading UK institutions. Moving forward, the university will further enhance international industry-academia integration between China and the UK, contributing Donghua's wisdom and strength to advancing global industrial transformation, supporting national strategic priorities, and fostering scientific and technological progress within key sectors.
