From May 26 to June 2, Yi Fan, vice-president of Shandong University, visited New Zealand and Australia as a member of a delegation consisting of leaders from 22 Chinese universities.

The delegation attended the Sixth China-New Zealand Higher Education Forum, the China-Australia University Presidents Forum and the China-Victoria University President Dialogue, and visited the partner universities.

Through the visit, the delegation members sought to enhance exchanges with universities in New Zealand and Australia, foster closer academic connections, and boost collaboration.

During the visit to New Zealand, Yi participated in the Sixth China-New Zealand Higher Education Forum at the University of Auckland, where the delegation had a meeting with Penny Simmonds, New Zealand's Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills.

Yi also engaged in discussions with leaders of some other New Zealand universities, during which agreements were reached strengthening research collaboration and promoting closer exchanges.

In Australia, Yi attended the China-Australia University Presidents Forum and the inaugural meeting of the China-Australia High-Level Research Cooperation Alliance. He also served as a moderator at the China-Victoria University Dialogue, sharing Shandong University's experiences in academic cooperation with Australian universities.

During the visit, Yi also visited the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne, and Monash University, where the delegation held discussions with leaders of the universities. They talked about mutual exchanges and collaboration and explored opportunities for deepening cooperation in areas such as student exchanges, faculty visits, and joint research.

Yi Fan (first from left), vice-president of Shandong University shares Shandong University's experiences in academic cooperation with Australian universities in Melbourne, Australia. [Photo/Shandong University]

The delegation members pose for a group photo at the University of Adelaide in Australia. [Photo/Shandong University]