Strengthening UCL’s partnerships and links in mainland China and Hong Kong

Building on the momentum from a similar visit in May, and subsequent senior-level discussions, the activities reinforced UCL’s strategic partnerships with leading Chinese institutions. 

The visit focused on advancing collaborations in AI-powered education, life sciences, public health, and engineering, while also strengthening links through joint research and innovation. 

The delegation began at Tsinghua University, where Dr Spence met with President Prof Li Luming to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Discussions focused on partnerships in AI-driven education and medical sciences to tackle global challenges. 

At the Chinese Academy of Sciences - UCL’s top co-publishing partner in mainland China - the delegation explored potential collaborations in Astronomy, Materials Science, and Physical Chemistry. A visit to Peking University, UCL’s longest-standing partner in China, highlighted opportunities to scale up collaboration in neuroscience, archaeology, global health, and management, building on an institutional MoU signed earlier this year. 

Further meetings at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University focused on advancing partnerships in engineering, healthcare, and sustainability. Notably, the UCL-Fudan seed fund, launched in May, is already supporting impactful projects in healthcare technology, battery innovation, and rare mineral supply chains. 

Dr Spence also met with China’s Vice Minister of Education, Wang Guangyan. Wang said that China and the UK view each other as ‘important educational partners’, speaking of UCL's strong research capabilities and encouraging further collaboration with China. 

Dr Michael Spence, UCL President & Provost said: “It was wonderful to be back in mainland China and Hong Kong to connect with UCL’s fantastic community there. Our collaboration with Chinese institutions is broad and ever-growing, spanning diverse disciplines and fostering impactful research partnerships, student exchanges, and alumni engagement. This visit has further strengthened these connections, paving the way for even deeper collaboration and shared innovation.” 

UCL hosted alumni receptions in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, reinforcing connections with its vibrant alumni community. The Beijing reception welcomed over 160 alumni, while the Guangzhou reception brought together more than 150. UCL also organised information sessions for prospective students and parents in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, welcoming over 250 attendees. These events showcased UCL’s world-class education and provided a platform for direct interaction with academic and admissions representatives.

The visit concluded in Hong Kong, where Dr Spence participated in the Times Higher Education Global AI Forum. Speaking on AI’s integration into education, he emphasised UCL’s leadership in AI innovation, ethical safeguards, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle global challenges. 

Links:

• UCL and Tsinghua University to deepen collaboration in addressing global challenges
• Strengthening relationships in China through UCL delegation visit
• The Times Higher Education Global AI Forum
• UCL and Tsinghua University sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Collaboration in Civil Eng
• UCL alumni case study: Creating a community with Yijin Zhang
• UCL and China
• UCL and East Asia

Featured Image: 

UCL Vice-Provost Professor Geraint Rees and UCL colleagues join Peking University representatives for a group photo on the Peking University campus, surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture and bamboo gardens.