Queen's University sets up Chinese partnerships

Queen’s University in Belfast established a series of formal link-ups with Chinese universities today as part of a £2.3m (€2.6m) research programme.

The new research and education agreements have been signed with institutions in Tsinghua, Zhejiang, Shanghai Jiao Tong and Shanghai Universities and the National Research Centre for Building and Construction.

The initiative is a key element in Queen’s continuing efforts to enhance its relationships with the Far East and the announcement was made as its Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson visited Japan to confer an honorary degree on Buddhist peacemaker and educationalist Daisaku Ikeda.

The Chinese partnerships will see the universities working together on cutting-edge projects in the fields of sustainable energy and the built environment.

The have been created through the Science Bridge scheme, funded by the Research Councils UK and Queen’s.

The Belfast institution has invested more than £1m (€1.1m) toward a new student bursary programme to attract outstanding Chinese postgraduates to the North.

Professor Gregson said Queen’s was committed to forging dynamic international relationships which benefit society.

“In the current economic climate, Northern Ireland’s regional development will be driven by strong international partnerships,” he said.

“China and Japan are major players, and these partnerships will further strengthen Northern Ireland’s economic ties with the Far East.

“The Science Bridge alliance is an important building block in our internationalisation strategy. It builds on existing and valuable links between Queen’s and China. Technologies from Queen’s have already been tested in the Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge, the longest such structure in the world.

“The focus on the fields of energy, the built environment and sustainability is very timely. The actions we take now on research and development in these areas will have far-reaching implications for future generations and for the future of our planet.”

The Science Bridge funding has been awarded to a team from Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Prof. Gregson presented Dr Ikeda with his honorary degree at a ceremony in Japan today.

A prolific writer, poet and peace activist, Dr Ikeda is recognised as the world’s leading interpreter of Buddhist philosophy.

“He played an active role in opening dialogue between Japan and China and also between Russia and the USA during the Cold War. He has ceaselessly pursued the universal values of peace, culture and education.

Commenting at the graduation ceremony, Dr Ikeda said: “Many world-class individuals, including my respected friend Nelson Mandela, have been honoured by Queen’s. I feel humbled to receive an honorary doctorate from your esteemed University, with its outstanding reputation for excellence in education and research.”

Prof Gregson said: “Throughout his long career Daisaku Ikeda has tirelessly harnessed his skills as a writer, a philosopher, an educator and a leader to inspire humanity in the search for peace. His life and work is a lesson and an inspiration to humanity as we strive towards a better future.”