Scotland's First Minister has welcomed an agreement that will see the University of Aberdeen collaborate with Harbin Engineering University, a leading Chinese university.
At an event held in China to celebrate business and innovation links between the two countries, Nicola Sturgeon met with representatives from both universities to discuss the plans.
The universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see them work together to promote the development of joint ventures, with an emphasis on civil engineering teaching and research.
The aims of the MoU include:
- the creation of academic pathways that will allow HEU students to enter higher level teaching programmes at the University of Aberdeen.
- the development of co-operation in civil engineering programmes.
- sharing of resources for teaching and research activities.
- organisation of joint seminars and conferences.
- collaboration in applications for contracts in research and consultancy projects.
Seth Kunin, Vice-Principal for Internationalisation at the University of Aberdeen, said:
“I was delighted to meet the First Minister and tell her of our exciting plans to work with Harbin Engineering University in areas of mutual interest.
“The agreement will deliver benefits for both universities, particularly in terms of the potential for research collaborations, and the opportunities for Chinese students to gain higher level entry to our renowned civil engineering programmes.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Engineering is a trade which Scotland excels in - both in terms of quality and innovation.
"I’m delighted that this agreement between the University of Aberdeen and Harbin Engineering University will see Scotland's skills and knowledge extend across the world."