Tsinghua University President Li Luming led a delegation on an official visit to the United Kingdom from December 11 to 14. The trip aimed to deepen cooperation and exchanges between Tsinghua University and its cooperative partners in the UK. The delegation attended the 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference (GMC), the China-UK Universities Roundtable and the Launch of the UK Young Envoys Scholarship Programme, and the AUPC-LERU Presidents’ Dialogue, and visited Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, and the University of Surrey. Additionally, they visited the Chinese Embassy in the UK and engaged with Tsinghua alumni in the UK.
President Li Luming addresses the 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference
On December 12, the 2024 Global MOOC and Online Education Conference (GMC) was held at Queen Mary University of London. Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University and Chair of the Board of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance, was present at the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. In his address, President Li reviewed the establishment and development of the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) initiated by Tsinghua University. He shared Tsinghua’s proactive exploration into AI-empowered education and teaching, and proposed an initiative for the future development of higher education in the era of intelligence.
On behalf of GMA, President Li also announced during the opening ceremony the admission of Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico and Edraak in Jordan, as new members. Together with Prof. Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, he released the Infinite Possibilities: Digital Development Report of Global Higher Education 2024 and the Digital Development Index of Global Higher Education 2024.
President Li Luming speaks at the China-UK Universities Roundtable and the Launch of the UK Young Envoys Scholarship Programme
Later that afternoon, the delegation attended the China-UK Universities Roundtable and the Launch of the UK Young Envoys Scholarship Programme at Queen Mary University of London. President Li participated in the roundtable discussion themed “Open Science Exchange and Cooperation” and delivered a speech. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation in addressing today’s numerous global challenges affecting development, calling for universities to promote educational collaboration from a longer-term perspective and broader vision, facilitating cultural exchanges and mutual learning among different cultures. President Li expressed hope for deeper ties between Chinese and UK universities, striving to collectively contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
AUPC-LERU Presidents’ Dialogue
On December 13, a meeting between a delegation of Presidents from the Association of University Presidents of China (AUPC) and a delegation of Rectors from the League of European Research Universities (LERU) took place at University College London, with an effort to foster the establishment of multilateral exchange mechanisms and enhance Sino-European university cooperation. Sixteen presidents from AUPC and LERU member universities were present at the closed-door meeting, engaged in discussions and exchange of insights centred on the impact of technology on higher education, challenges and opportunities for China-Europe cooperation in higher education, and China-Europe cooperation on SDGs. The dialogue underscored the increasingly important role of international collaboration in addressing global challenges and advancing research, innovation, and education. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between Chinese and European universities and working towards common goals. President Li Luming hosted the discussion themed “China-Europe Cooperation on SDGs” and outlined the efforts devoted and actions taken by Tsinghua University in implementing the UN SDGs.
President Li Luming meets with Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London
President Li Luming meets with Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London
President Li Luming meets with G Q Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey and signs a Memorandum of Cooperation
During his visit, President Li successively visited Queen Mary University of London, Imperial College London, and the University of Surrey, meeting with Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, and G Q Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey. During these meetings, President Li shared the recent developments at Tsinghua University, reviewed past collaborations with UK universities, and engaged in discussions with the universities on talent cultivation, scientific and technological innovation, international cooperation, AI-empowered education and teaching, along with enhanced student and faculty exchanges. During his tour in the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London, President Li was briefed on the progress and future plans of the research centre co-established by the faculty and Tsinghua’s Department of Electrical Engineering. At the University of Surrey, he paid a visit to the Surrey Space Centre and Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. and signed a memorandum of cooperation between the two universities.
While in the UK, President Li, along with other university leaders, visited the Chinese Embassy in the UK, meeting with Ambassador Zheng Zeguang and exchanging views on deepening collaboration with UK higher education and research institutions. Additionally, President Li held a discussion with Tsinghua alumni representatives working in the UK, thanking them for their support for Tsinghua’s development. He encouraged alumni to continue to contribute to Tsinghua, the prosperity of China, and international exchanges.
Representatives from the Department of Automation, the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Institute for Carbon Neutrality, the Undergraduate Academic Affairs Office, and the Office of International Affairs participated in the respective events during the visit.
Editors: Li Han, JP
