From September 17 to 18, Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, led a delegation to visit Beijing Normal University (BNU). During the visit, the two universities held a series of working meetings to strengthen their longstanding friendship and explore new opportunities for multi-level cooperation in higher education.

On the morning of September 17, Chen Xing, Vice President of BNU, met with Phil Taylor and his delegation at BNU Zhuhai Campus. The two sides reviewed the history of friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two universities and discussed further collaboration in areas including innovation in higher education, talent cultivation, and scientific research.

Chen Xing noted that, through the joint efforts of both sides, BNU and the University of Bath have maintained close communication and interaction, with frequent high-level exchanges, and have developed a relationship based on mutual recognition and trust. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for deepening cooperation between the two universities. He said that the two institutions share similar educational philosophies and highly aligned development goals, with broad prospects for cooperation in talent cultivation, academic research, and faculty and student exchanges. He expressed the hope that, building on this visit, the two universities would promote mutual learning in higher education and explore new pathways for innovative cooperation.

Phil Taylor said that the University of Bath is advancing a new round of its medium- and long-term development strategy and attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with BNU. He expressed the hope that the two universities would draw on their respective disciplinary strengths to explore models of cooperation aligned with their institutional missions, further tap into the potential for collaboration, support student development, and expand international academic dialogue, thereby opening a new chapter in their partnership.

During the visit, the University of Bath delegation also toured teaching and research facilities and public-service facilities at BNU Zhuhai Campus. The delegation spoke positively of the campus environment, infrastructure development, and approaches to international education.

The two sides also held extensive discussions on the overall direction of future inter-university cooperation. They will continue to maintain close communication and work together to further advance their longstanding friendship.

Relevant officials from BNU‘s Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Office of Academic Affairs, and Office of Finance and Economics; the Zhuhai Campus Leading Group Office; Talent and Human Resources Office, Asset Management Office, Student Affairs Office, Information Technology Office, Library, and International Office of Zhuhai Campus; and Huitong College, Bay Area School of Applied Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, School of Physical Education and Sports, and College of Education for the Future attended the event.