From January 14th to 18th, YU Zhiwen, Vice President of HEU, led a delegation visiting the United Kingdom. During this visit, fruitful discussions took place with various universities and institutions, including the University of Southampton, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA). The primary objective was to strengthen comprehensive cooperation between our school and UK universities and research institutions in the maritime education, science and technology, and talent development domains, actively expanding global partnerships.

YU Zhiwen posing with the President of the University of Southampton

On the 15th and 16th, YU Zhiwen and his delegation visited the University of Southampton, meeting with President Mark Smith, Vice President for Research Mark Spearing, and Vice President for International Affairs Andrew Atherton. The discussions encompassed a review of the robust foundation of cooperation and deliberations on future collaboration in joint education programs, student and faculty exchanges, basic research cooperation, and talent recruitment.

YU Zhiwen emphasized the University of Southampton's significance as a strategic partner for our school, particularly through the joint establishment of the Southampton Ocean Engineering Joint Institute at HEU. This institute integrates advanced educational concepts from both China and the UK, fostering educational and cultural exchanges and nurturing globally competitive innovative talents. Leaders from the University of Southampton, including Mark Smith, praised the quality of talent cultivation and the societal impact of joint education programs. Discussions also covered international student recruitment, student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives.

YU Zhiwen posing with the Vice President for Research (top) and the Vice President for International Affairs (bottom) of the University of Southampton

Following the meetings, the delegation held negotiations with Assistant President Anna Barney and heads of departments within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences on specific collaboration matters. They also visited academic organizations like the Maritime Engineering Team and the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, engaging in academic discussions and touring facilities. The delegation delivered presentations on our school's talent recruitment policies to relevant doctoral and post-doctoral personnel.

Delegation posing with the Maritime Engineering Team at the University of Southampton

Delegation posing with key members of the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton

On the 17th, the delegation visited the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), engaging in discussions with CEO Chris Goldsworthy and four others. 

YU Zhiwen posing with the CEO of IMarEST

Delegation posing with the leadership team of IMarEST

Subsequently, they visited the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), where discussions took place with CEO Chris Boyd and three others.

YU Zhiwen posing with the CEO of RINA

Delegation posing with the leadership team of RINA

Throughout these activities, representatives from the International Office, Southampton Ocean Engineering Joint Institute, and Human Resources Office of HEU accompanied the delegation.