On December 4, Zhang Xi, President of Jilin University, met with Jon Frampton, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. The two sides held in-depth discussions on cooperation in geoscience, joint talent cultivation programs, and collaborative scientific research initiatives.
Zhang Xi warmly welcomed Jon Frampton and his delegation, expressing gratitude for the University of Birmingham's long-standing support in talent cultivation. He provided a brief introduction to Jilin University, highlighting the deep historical ties between the two institutions in geoscience. Prof. Li Siguang, a founding figure of Chinese geology and an outstanding alumnus of the University of Birmingham, made significant contributions to the establishment and development of Changchun Geology College. His work laid a strong foundation for the growth of geoscience disciplines at Jilin University and served as a vital link for academic exchanges between the two universities. Jilin University's geoscience programs are distinctively characterized and supported by high-level research platforms such as the State Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Exploration and Imaging. The university also holds notable strengths in interdisciplinary fields, including high-pressure physics, high-pressure chemistry, and high-pressure materials, providing a solid basis for further deepening bilateral cooperation.
Zhang Xi emphasized that, although modern universities undertake many functions, their fundamental mission remains talent cultivation. In recent years, Jilin University has strengthened faculty development, nurturing top-tier talent through high-quality educators. The university also places strong emphasis on domestic and international exchanges and cooperation, broadening the horizons of faculty and students through advanced research practices and extensive academic interactions, while fostering their communication and collaboration skills. He expressed hope that both sides would further promote faculty and student exchanges and joint programs, creating more opportunities for interaction and collaboration among young scholars and students.
Jon Frampton expressed his gratitude for the hospitality of Jilin University and praised the long-standing close partnership between the two institutions. He highlighted that Mr. Li Siguang, an outstanding alumnus of the University of Birmingham, had made significant contributions to promoting academic exchanges between China and the United Kingdom and advancing geoscience. He provided a brief overview of the University of Birmingham’s comprehensive educational framework, noting its extensive experience and successful practices in cross-border education, and expressed a willingness to further explore collaborative models with Chinese universities. He hoped that the two universities could jointly develop distinctive programs, explore innovative directions, establish deeply integrated collaborative mechanisms, and work together to cultivate outstanding talent.
Representatives from relevant departments of both universities attended the meeting.
