On the morning of November 30, 2021, Consul General of the Consulate General of the United States of America in Guangzhou, Lisa K. Heller, and her delegation visited the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech).

Dongxiao ZHANG, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Xueming YANG, Acting Vice President for Research, Li JIN, Acting Vice President for Humanities and Social Sciences, Chunmiao ZHENG, Vice Provost for Global Strategies, Xin YANG, Dean of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, and Thomas Kvan, Dean of the School of Design, welcomed the guests.

Lisa K. Heller and her delegation observed the University’s campus model, research facilities, and residential colleges. They also appreciated students’ calligraphy and painting work, a Guqin (Chinese zither) performance, and other extracurricular learning and life activities organized by the residential colleges.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state of academic cooperation between SUSTech and partner universities in the United States, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international academic exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration between Chinese and American universities in a variety of fields.

Provost Dongxiao ZHANG gave a brief summary of the current state of academic affairs of SUSTech. He described SUSTech as a youthful, modern, and rapidly expanding research university with a high percentage of international faculty and extensive academic collaborations with institutions in the United States.

He expressed his hope that SUSTech could expand its academic collaboration with American colleges to foster student training and scientific research. The two sides can work together to cope with pressing issues such as the fight against the pandemic and climate change.

Consul General Heller spoke highly of the rapid growth and development of SUSTech. She acknowledged the University’s international standing and innovative approach and stated that China and the U.S. have a lot of potential for partnership in various areas. She said that fostering educational exchange has always been a key priority for her.

She voiced her complete support for boosting educational collaboration and scholar exchange between China and the United States. Despite the various limits imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she is optimistic about the potential for academic cooperation between China and the United States.

Acting Vice President Xueming YANG introduced the research accomplishments of SUSTech. He stated that SUSTech is committed to developing fundamental disciplines and pursuing multidisciplinary approaches.

Acting Vice President Li JIN outlined the organizational structure of the Humanities and Social Sciences of SUSTech and its aspiration to develop well-rounded students. Vice Provost Chunmiao ZHENG spoke about the various international programs for students, which encourages and supports students to study abroad to gain international experiences and perspectives.

Dean Mingzhao XING briefed the delegation on the School of Medicine’s overall vision. Dean Xin YANG discussed the initiatives taken by the School of Environmental Science and Engineering in global change-related research, an area of great mutual interest for China and the United States. Dean Thomas Kvan introduced the new School of Design and its importance in relation to Shenzhen’s future development.

Other members of Consul General Heller’s delegation included Eric Frater, Consul, Economic and Political Section Chief of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, Adam Gannaway, Deputy Consul, Economic Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, and Jeffrey Wood, Deputy Consul, Cultural Affairs Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou.