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UCL and Shanghai Jiao Tong University deepen strategic partnership

24 July 2025

UCL hosted Professor Ding Kuiling, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, along with a delegation from the university at UCL East, where the two institutions signed their first university-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen research and education collaboration.

UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence (right) welcomes Shanghai Jiao Tong University President Professor Ding Kuiling (left) during a visit to UCL East.

The MoU formalised an already vibrant partnership that spans materials science, astronomy, environmental science, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, and set out plans to intensify work in sustainability, climate resilience and global health and wellbeing. 

Building on an established partnership

During the visit, senior colleagues celebrated more than a decade of joint work that already spans PI-to-PI and faculty levels, with a focus on the fields of materials science, astronomy, artificial intelligence, computer science and biomedical engineering. The new agreement means both universities have committed to intensifying collaboration in sustainability, climate crisis, global health and wellbeing, physics and astronomy, and biomedical engineering, aligning their strengths for greater global impact. 

The delegation reviewed the joint seed fund that has supported forty-nine interdisciplinary projects since 2020 and attracted a record thirty-three proposals for the 2025-26 round. Future calls will focus on areas where combined expertise can deliver the most benefit to society. 

The meeting also considered plans for a new student pathway in engineering that will widen opportunities for learners at both institutions. Specific details remain under discussion and will be announced in due course. 

Dr Michael Spence, UCL President and Provost, said: “By bringing our research strengths and education initiatives together, we are creating a platform that accelerates discovery and equips graduates to tackle global challenges. The agreement shows the confidence both universities have in each other and in the impact we can achieve together.” 

Ding Kuiling, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said: “Recognising the growing importance of artificial intelligence at SJTU in supporting both research and institutional development, we are encouraged by the strong interest in the UCL-SJTU Strategic Partner Funds from colleagues in Engineering and related fields. This momentum reflects the shared vision between our two institutions. We look forward to deepening our partnership with UCL through continued collaboration in research, education, and innovation.” 

Looking ahead 

UCL Global Engagement will now work with SJTU’s Division of Global Cooperation and Exchange to explore opportunities around student exchange and PhD co-supervision, as well as collaborative Summer and Winter Schools, and to prepare the focus of the 2026 joint seed fund call. 

The signing ceremony underscored the shared commitment of UCL and SJTU to collaborate on world-leading research and education for the public benefit on a truly global scale. 

Featured Image 

UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence (right) welcomes Shanghai Jiao Tong University President Professor Ding Kuiling (left) during a visit to UCL East. 

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