The visit, organized by the British Council, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and Universities UK International (UUKi), brought together Vice-Chancellors and senior leaders from 20 UK universities. Professor Judith Lamie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Engagement at Swansea University, was among the esteemed delegates. The largest of its kind to travel to China since 2019, the group visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, where they met representatives from 44 Chinese universities to gain a greater understanding of the higher education landscape in the country.
China is one of the UK's top international student recruitment markets, and the UK is China's second-largest research partner in terms of academic co-publications, attesting to the success of the collaborative initiatives already in place and the importance of their continuation. On the visit, Professor Lamie said: "I am delighted to have represented Swansea University as part of the UK Higher Education Mission to China.
"It was fantastic to have the opportunity to engage in many positive discussions between UK and Chinese universities on how to work together further. "Swansea University is fortunate to have a global network of partners, including our sister city in China, Wuhan, which are vital in delivering our world-class research, enhanced opportunities for learning and teaching, and life-changing opportunities for students. "We look forward to building on the visit's success, fostering even stronger academic ties and international partnerships". In addition to the mission's official activities, a special Alumni Reception in Shanghai gave the delegation a unique occasion to network with graduates.
The evening included a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Professor Lamie, with distinguished guests sharing their remarkable experiences and insights of studying in the UK. Professor Lamie said: "With over 200,000 alumni worldwide, it's always a pleasure to meet our graduates in person, to hear about their incredible accomplishments, and to reaffirm the importance of our Chinese alumni community, celebrating their contributions to the University's global success".
