Celebrating 15 Years: The University of Manchester China Centre Shines in Shanghai

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester visited China, including Beijing and Shanghai, 11 to 13 September 2023. This is the President’s first China visit since the hiatus in face-to-face activity owing to the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, and recognises the long and close relationship between The University of Manchester and China.

China visit strengthens research and educational collaborations

On her first stop in Beijing, from 11–12 September, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell and her delegation met with key partners and institutions, including Peking University Health Science Center, China Scholarship Council and the National Natural Science Foundation Council, to enhance the significant collaborations in research and teaching in China. She looks forward to strengthening academic and research collaboration in the future. Professor Rothwell also delivered a speech on the theme of ‘A Life in Science’ during her visit to Peking University.

On the evening of 11 September, an alumni reception in Beijing was hosted by the President for over 200 alumni, where Nancy shared the university’s latest achievements. Nancy mentioned that earlier this year, the UK government announced a new prize for artificial intelligence named after The University of Manchester’s invention of the first stored program computer in 1948. It will be known as ‘The Manchester Prize.’

Celebrating the 15^th anniversary of the China Centre

On 13 September, Professor Rothwell toured the new premises of The University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai. Ms. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, hosted the visit and introduced the Centre’s low-carbon office project, support for the delivery of the Global MBA and online blended Masters courses, such as MA Education Leadership in Practice and Msc Financial Management, and the Centre’s cultural activities and social impact to the President and her delegation. Professor Rothwell said how impressed she is by the ambition and growth of the China Centre in the past 15 years. She also appreciated the support from the China Centre to ensure the best experience for all University students and alumni, and to contribute to a broader landscape of transnational education.

While in Shanghai, Professor Rothwell also met with the leadership team of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and exchanged thoughts on collaboration opportunities between the two universities in the future.

Professor Rothwell also hosted an Alumni Gala Dinner on the evening of 13 September for over 300 alumni across the country and distinguished guests to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The University of Manchester China Centre. 

Professor Rothwell especially mentioned the upcoming University’s bicentenary celebration and welcomed alumni in China to celebrate this significant milestone for the University in 2024.

“It was wonderful to meet our alumni in Beijing and Shanghai. At The University of Manchester, our alumni continue to be a part of our community, long after graduation. And we’re always proud to see Chinese alumni shining in their fields after their graduation, in China, the UK, and other places in the world,” said Professor Rothwell.

Looking ahead – a bright future

Commenting on her trip, Professor Rothwell said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit China again to reconnect with our partners and to celebrate with our esteemed alumni. The University of Manchester prides itself on being a truly international university.”