Victoria strengthens research and innovation ties with China
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Victoria University of Wellington and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which represents a large group of research, tertiary and supporting institutes in China.
The agreement, signed by Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Professor Zhang Tao and Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford, formalises collaboration between the two institutions, exploring the possibilities of staff and student exchanges and supporting initiatives in research and innovation, including knowledge and technology transfer.
The MoU was signed during a visit by a Chinese Academy of Science delegation to Victoria. Opportunities to undertake joint research in areas of priority for both institutes were discussed, including ICT—in particular machine learning and artificial intelligence—materials science, nanotechnology, psychology and sustainable energy.
While in Wellington the delegation also visited The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a national network of leading scientists hosted at Victoria University, and Victoria’s Robinson Research Institute, which is internationally recognised for their research in High Temperature Superconductivity—another area of potential research collaboration identified within the agreement.
During the visit, Professor Zhang Tao commented on the long, positive relationship between New Zealand and China and, in reference to his chemistry background, expressed his wish that: “this agreement will be a catalyst to enhancing and growing a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Victoria University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.”
Professor Mike Wilson, Victoria’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Architecture and Design, says: “This agreement is a significant step forward in increasing Victoria’s portfolio of engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. We are looking forward to working and collaborating with the scientists from the Academy in areas of mutual interest, and for our mutual benefit, now and in future years.”
The Chinese Academy of Sciences is an important part of China’s drive to explore and harness high technology and the natural sciences for the benefit of China and the world. It brings together scientists and engineers from 104 research institutes, 12 branch academies, three universities and 11 supporting organisations in 23 provincial-level areas throughout China to address both theoretical and applied problems using world-class scientific and management approaches.