Professor Sergey Mikhalovsky, Professor John Smart and Dr Peter Fearon visited three universities in China during a one-week visit, starting 6 November 2010. The aim was to discuss beginning the work associated with a successful grant application led by Professor Mikhalovsky to promote exchanges between European and Chinese universities, funded by the European Union (Advanced Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine, FP7-PEOPLE-IRSES, 2010-2014).
They also took the opportunity to establish closer links with some Chinese universities, advance these links with senior members of their university managements and promote Brighton as a centre for teaching, research and economic and social engagement.
They visited three universities, Tianjin University, which has a largely research focus; North Western Polytechnic University (NWPU), Xi'an, which has special research centres promoted by the Chinese government; and Zhonghei University, Guangzhou, in the rapidly growing southern provinces of China.
At each university they made presentations to staff and students. Professor Smart presented the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences' teaching and research, with emphasis on postgraduate courses; Dr Fearon, as the school’s Business Development Manager, considered business links, innovation and the University of Brighton; while Professor Mikhalovsky presented the opportunities for EU funding for Sino-European links. At each university the talks were well received, and in subsequent discussions arrangements were made to begin the exchanges and establish further agreements to promote co-operation between the two universities.
Visits to local businesses in the area of economic development around Hong Kong were also completed during the week, and discussions held around the potential for co-operation.
It is notable that this visit started a few days before a high level visit by the British prime minister to China, promoting Anglo-Chinese relationships.
With Professor Lee, Northwestern Polytechnic University
Enjoying an evening meal with senior staff at NWPU
