TJU and University of South Australia Promote Development of CAC_SUD

On April 24, 2013, a delegation from the University of South Australia (UniSA) led by Vice Chancellor and President David Lloyd, and Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President: International and Advancement Nigel Relph visited Tianjin University (TJU) to hold discussions about the future development of the China-Australia Centre for Sustainable Urban Development (CAC_SUD).

TJU President Li Jiajun received the guests. He commended President Lloyd for his strong support of the CAC_SUD. The two leaders reviewed the development of CAC_SUD since it’s unveiling in February, 2013. They also discussed cooperation regarding joint research and student instruction. During the meeting, they signed a student exchange agreement to push forward the strategic partnership between the two universities.

Subsequently, the delegation took part in a workshop with TJU senior staff focusing on CAC_SUD collaboration. Also participating in the workshop were representatives from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, the School of Architecture, the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the Research Institute of Architectural Design & Urban Planning, the Office of Science and Technology, and the Office of International Cooperation. The Co-Director of CAC_SUD and Dean of the TJU School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chen Guanyi proffered a presentation detailing the CAC_SUD, including its structure and management, core missions and sustainability, and foreseen major achievements. President Lloyd lauded what Dean Chen introduced and put forward several suggestions on joint research programs to be developed by CAC_SUD. They also discussed cooperation in student development, including joint development based on the Australian government’s Asia-Bond and Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships of China Scholarship Council for undergraduate development, and a dual degree program for postgraduate development.

Afterwards, President Li conferred upon President Lloyd an Honorary Professorship followed by President Lloyd giving the prestigious “Peiyang Lecture”. His presentation, entitled, “A Tale of Three Cities”, focused on his educational background, the development of UniSA against a global backdrop, and the China-Australia urban environment, as well as its sustainability. Thereafter, President Lloyd held an in-depth discussion with attendees.