On November 10, Vice President Yuan Yingjin welcomed Anthony Welch, a specialist with the University of Sydney (USyd) who sought for cooperation with Tianjin University (TJU). Representatives from School of Education, Office of Social Science, Office of Personnel and Office of International Cooperation were also present at the meeting.

Following a warm welcome, Vice President Yuan gave an overview to TJU. A specialist with the first university in Australia, Prof. Welch expressed his pleasure to visit the first institution of higher learning in China. During the meeting, they exchanged ideas on collaboration in areas of social sciences, and more preferably higher education. In doing so, the TJU Comparative Education Research Center was initiated. As for the future collaboration with USyd, Vice President Yuan emphasized it would be helpful in TJU’s endeavors to expand the international exchanges and develop a first class education discipline. Besides, topics of common interest such as the higher education reforms in China and Australia were discussed as well.

During the visit, Prof. Welch addressed TJU’s new teaching and managerial staffs on internationalization and career development. A series of his speeches on international comparative education were also delivered in the School of Education.
Anthony Welch is a specialist in the analysis and research of international policy-making, education and culture. He has conducted long term and in-depth research on policies on talent, higher education and internationalization, which enables him to have an important influence in the international education circle.