Published by: Office of International Relations | Edited by: Media Convergence Center
WUST News – From November 23 to 30, a delegation led by Sun Guosheng, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST), conducted an academic exchange visit to the United Kingdom and France. The delegation visited Birmingham City University (BCU), the Oxford Prospects and Global Development Institute (OPGDI), and the École Pour l'Informatique et les Techniques Avancées (EPITA) in France, engaging in in-depth discussions on deepening Sino-foreign cooperative education, introducing high-level overseas talent, and expanding academic and scientific research collaboration.
During the visit to the UK, the delegation was warmly received by Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, along with representatives from the university’s International Office, School of Computing and Engineering, College of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, and School of Art and Design. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the joint undergraduate program in Network Engineering between WUST and BCU, the two sides held formal talks reviewing past achievements and outlining future strategic plans.
Professor David Mba extended a heartfelt welcome to the delegation. He emphasized that over the past decade, both institutions have adhered to the principle of “mutual benefit and collaborative development,” achieving remarkable results in the joint program. These accomplishments not only reflect BCU’s strength in international education but also testify to the profound friendship between the two universities. He affirmed that BCU will continue to leverage its disciplinary advantages to inject new vitality into the partnership.
Sun Guosheng congratulated both sides on the successful decade of collaboration. He noted that the visit allowed the delegation to gain a deeper appreciation of BCU’s excellence in teaching and research, particularly in high-tech fields such as computer engineering and industry-academia integration. Sun stressed that WUST highly values its strategic partnership with BCU and looks forward to building on the ten-year milestone. By aligning with WUST’s 15th Five-Year Plan and BCU’s “Vision 2030” development strategy, he expressed hope for deepened collaboration in joint education, faculty and student exchanges, scientific research, and industry-academia integration, elevating the partnership to new heights.
During their stay, the delegation visited several key teaching and research facilities at BCU, accompanied by university representatives. At the School of Art and Design and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire—both top-ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject—the delegation observed world-class art and design education systems and faculty resources. They also toured BCU’s industry-academia integration base and innovation entrepreneurship center, gaining insights into advanced laboratory equipment, interdisciplinary resource integration models, and practical approaches to cultivating students’ innovation capabilities.
In France, the delegation visited EPITA, ranked second in computer science and third in engineering in France, and held exchanges with the Oxford Prospects and Global Development Institute. Both sides discussed specific collaboration areas, including the introduction of world-class talent, joint faculty training, student exchange programs, and scientific research partnerships.
The delegation included heads of relevant functional departments and schools from WUST.
