On the afternoon of April 9, 2026, a delegation led by Professor Joe Chicharo OM, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Growth and Global) of the University of Wollongong (Australia), visited the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). SUSTech President and Professor Qikun XUE, Vice President Professor Li JIN, and other representatives warmly welcomed the guests.

President Qikun XUE extended a sincere welcome on behalf of SUSTech. He particularly highlighted the profound friendship between SUSTech and Professor Gaoqing “Max” LU, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong. As a member of SUSTech’s International Advisory Council, President LU has provided valuable advice and suggestions for the development of SUSTech over the years.

Professor Li JIN noted that this visit is a significant step in deepening the long-term, stable, and high-quality cooperation between the two institutions. He emphasized SUSTech’s strategic focus on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area-a global hub for technology and innovation-and highlighted the university’s openness to exploring flexible joint education models as well as the establishment of joint academic institutions integrating education, research, and innovation.

In response, Professor Joe Chicharo expressed sincere appreciation for SUSTech’s warm hospitality. He mentioned UOW’s 50th anniversary of independence and highlighted the university’s rapid ascent in global rankings, from 161 to 118 in the QS rankings, with a strategic goal to enter the top 100 by 2035. Professor Chicharo noted UOW’s extensive experience in translational education in China and expressed enthusiasm for launching joint degree programs to drive in-depth research collaboration in mutually strategic areas.

A highlight of the visit was the in-depth discussion on research synergies led by Professor Alan Rowan, UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation). Both sides identified strong alignment in materials science, biomedicine (including brain organoids and brain-computer interfaces), and energy transition. They agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism to drive project implementation.

The delegation included Ms. Lily An, Senior Advisor for Greater China at UOW. Also attending the meeting were Professor Jian LU, Deputy Director of the Office of Research, and Dr. Hao CHEN, Executive Deputy Director of SUSTech Global.

About the University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a global research university based in Wollongong, Australia, with campuses in Dubai and Malaysia. Originating in engineering and materials science, UOW has grown into a comprehensive research university committed to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary research, and international partnerships.