Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield Visited Tianjin University

On September 22, 2006, Prof. R. F. Boucher, Vice-Chancellor and Prof. Peter Fleming, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield visited Tianjin University. Prof. GONG Ke, President of Tianjin University greeted the guests in VIP Room, Conference Building. After extending his warm welcome, President GONG Ke gave a brief talk on the history, development, disciplines and international cooperation of Tianjin University, and specially mentioned the development of urbanization in China in the next 10 years and its great impact on the world. Prof. R. F. Boucher introduced the history, disciplines, research capability and international exchange programs of the University of Sheffield. Both sides expressed their hope to start cooperation in the field of architecture, and expand the collaboration into more areas of common interest. Representatives from School of Architecture and International Cooperation Office also joined the meeting. During the visit, the delegation discussed with representatives from School of Architecture on the details of the joint master program of urbanization of rural areas in China, and went to the exhibition of students'works in the School. Established in1905, the University of Sheffield now is composed of 7 academic schools and has 5,500 faculty and staff members and 23,000 students. With strengths in biology, architecture, automation engineering and materials engineering, the University ranks top 20 among British research universities. It is the place where stainless steel was invented and the only university in Britain that has three Rolls-Royce Research Centers.