Chinese academics visit to look at ways Preston and Hebei can work together
International academics from China have visited Preston to discuss potential new ways of working with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Baogang Cao and Hongbo Zhang, from the Hebei Academy of Social Science, spoke to a range of staff from across all sections of the University before the met local civic dignitaries while on a tour around the Harris Museum.
The visitors, who are also members of the Hebei provincial government, spent two days learning about UCLan’s current international partnerships, the areas of research and innovation, knowledge transfer and business development opportunities.
Mr Cao, Deputy Dean and Executive Vice-President and Mr Zhang, Deputy Director of Science Research Department, later met with Preston City Council Mayor Councillor John Collins and High Sheriff of Lancashire John Barnett MBE DL.
"Both universities wish to strengthen the link between Hebei and Preston, supporting the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative in China, and the Northern Powerhouse agenda for the UK."
The University has close links to Hebei after the creation of the Hebei University-UCLan Joint School of Media, Communication and the Creative Industries.
Tim Steele, Vice President International Operations said: “The link with Hebei Province has become very strong over the past five years, since the establishment, together with Hebei University, of the Joint School of Media, Communication and the Creative Industries. Both universities wish to strengthen the link between Hebei and Preston, supporting the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative in China, and the Northern Powerhouse agenda for the UK.
“We were delighted that the Mayor of Preston and the High Sheriff of Lancashire were able to meet the delegation from Hebei Academy of Social Sciences, as we start to look at ways in which Preston and Hebei can work together.”