A delegation from the University of Chicago visited Shandong University (SDU) on May 20, as the two universities plan to improve cooperation in talent development, academic exchange, and research in the humanities and social sciences.

Katie Hrinyak, associate vice president for Global Initiatives and Strategy at the University of Chicago, led the delegation, with Wu Zhen, executive vice president of SDU, meeting with the visitors.

Wu reviewed the progress made since the two universities renewed their memorandum of understanding in November 2024, especially in talent development. He said the two sides have a firm foundation for cooperation in the humanities and social sciences, and expressed hope that the visit would help expand joint training for top-notch talents, establish seed funding, utilize overseas research institutions, and broaden channels for scholar exchanges.

Hrinyak said the University of Chicago values its partnership with SDU and hopes to further expand two-way student mobility and deepen academic exchanges among scholars. She also looked forward to stronger coordination between the University of Chicago's global centers and SDU.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with several SDU units, including the Center for Judaic and Inter-Religious Studies, the School of Archaeology, the School of Literature, the Institute of Public Governance, the School of Economics, Cheeloo College of Medicine, and the Department of International Affairs. They also visited the Shandong University Museum and the Center for Research and Experience of Traditional Chinese Culture of Shandong University.