A University of Central Lancashire Professor has been honoured by a Chinese university to celebrate an international partnership that began with a children’s picture book.
The Dean of the School of Arts and Media, Professor Peter Lloyd, was handed Visiting Professorship from Soochow University to mark the continuation of a successful project between the University’s publishing arm, UCLan Publishing, and Soochow.
Following the acquisition of an inclusive picture book in 2021 from Chinese author Yin Jianling and illustrator Yu Rong, entitled The Visible Sounds, UCLan Publishing worked with Chinese studies students based in Preston to translate the title into English for a UK market.
"Together, our two institutions have been able to generate commerce, real world learning, industry informed curriculums, research and exchange opportunities for our students and staff that will provide direct benefit to local economies."
— Dean of the School of Arts and Media Professor Peter Lloyd
The success of this Yoto Carnegie Medal shortlisted project has led to a transnational education and industry partnership, led by Yu Rong as Director of a Cultural Centre based at Soochow University, near Shanghi, and UCLan Publishing, which has not only generated commerce but also research opportunities and a cultural exchange programme for students from both institutions.
Professor Peter Lloyd said: “Together, our two institutions have been able to generate commerce, real world learning, industry informed curriculums, research and exchange opportunities for our students and staff that will provide direct benefit to local economies.
“Soochow is committed to continuing this work us and recognised this commitment by generously presenting me with this Visiting Professor award, which I gratefully accepted on behalf of the School of Arts and Media team that made it happen.”