Renmin University of China (RUC) Vice President Zheng Xinye met with Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal of the University of Glasgow, and his delegation during their visit to RUC on Nov.25th.
Zheng Xinye extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highlighted the fruitful partnership between the two universities since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014. He noted their achievements in literature and religious studies and celebrated the signing of a new cooperation agreement between RUC’s School of Arts and Glasgow’s College of Arts and Humanities in July, which marked the beginning of a new phase in their collaboration.
Zheng expressed his hope that the visit would further elevate the partnership. He emphasized the strategic importance of Scotland as a gateway to understanding British culture and reiterated RUC’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with universities in the region. He proposed exploring the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding and establishing a student exchange agreement.
Additionally, Zheng invited Principal Muscatelli and Glasgow scholars to deliver lectures, participate in joint research projects, and engage in RUC’s “Qiushi Scholars” visiting program. He looked forward to deepening cooperation in youth exchange, resource sharing, and summer school curriculum development, and enhancing ties in disciplines like literature, arts, economics, and law.
Principal Muscatelli affirmed the University of Glasgow’s strong commitment to its partnership with RUC. He invited RUC to join Glasgow’s collaborative network for regional education development studies. Muscatelli also expressed interest in expanding joint initiatives through student exchanges, summer schools, and dual doctoral programs. He emphasized the importance of broadening international perspectives for students and fostering cross-cultural academic exchanges between China and the UK.
The meeting included discussions on talent development, youth exchange, and academic cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism about future collaborations and their role in cultivating globally competent talent.
The University of Glasgow delegation included Rachel Sandison OBE, Vice Principal for External Relations; Gregor Caldow, Executive Director of Finance; and Caroline Boddie, Deputy Director of Recruitment and International Partnerships, along with Long Duo, Director of the University’s Confucius Institute.
RUC representatives from the International Office, the School of Arts, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Applied Economics, and the School of Business attended the meeting. Parallel discussions were held between the University of Glasgow’s visiting faculty and their counterparts from RUC’s School of Arts, Law School, and School of Continuing Education to explore further collaborations.
