A delegation led by Rob Lynes, associate vice-chancellor of Durham University, visits Shandong University from Sept 13 to 14. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

Rob Lynes, associate vice-chancellor of Durham University in the United Kingdom, led a delegation to visit Shandong University from Sept 13 to 14 with the aim of renewing cooperation agreements in the fields of culture, education and research.

During the meeting between the two sides, SDU President Li Shucai shared the recent developments at SDU and reviewed the history of cooperation between the two universities. He stated that the renewal of the agreements would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their collaboration.

He added that this visit will enhance mutual understanding, explore new directions for future cooperation and take their partnership to new heights.

Lynes said the two sides share a close friendship and have cooperated in many areas. He also expressed the hope that both sides will leverage their respective strengths to further strengthen the partnership.

Wu Zhen (right), vice-president of Shandong University, and Rob Lynes, associate vice-chancellor of Durham University, sign a collaboration agreement for cultural, educational, and scientific research,on behalf of their respective institutions. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

During the visit, representatives from Durham University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Health and Faculty of Science held discussions with representatives from SDU's institutes such as School of History and Culture, School of Mathematics, School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Department of International Affairs. The different parties discussed ways in which they can cooperate in areas like multilevel student projects, faculty exchanges, international conferences and laboratories.

The delegation also visited SDU's museum and research base for traditional Chinese culture.

Since the inter-university cooperation agreement on Sept 14, 2010, SDU and Durham University have collaborated in disciplines like mathematics, physics, civil engineering, energy and economics. Their cooperation has also involved faculty exchanges, joint research projects and undergraduate and postgraduate programs.