Khalifa University of Science and Technology Signs MoU with Top-Ranked Tsinghua University to Focus on Transformative Scientific Research

Partnership with Chinese University Covers Academic Collaboration, Research Partnerships, and Exchange Program for Faculty and Students

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 18 December, 2017 –  Khalifa University of Science and Technology, a research university dedicated to the advancement of learning through teaching and research and to the discovery and application of knowledge, and Tsinghua University, Beijing – ranked among the world’s top 30 universities, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to embark on a collaborative program intended to support transformative scientific research.
 
The agreement was signed in Beijing by Professor Tod Laursen, President, Khalifa University, and Professor Qiu Yong, President, Tsinghua University, in the presence of Prof. Zuoyi Zhang, Dean of Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, and Prof. Peixue Jiang, Chair of Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University. Also present was Professor TieJun Zhang from Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

Tsinghua University was ranked the best university in China by the annual rankings for 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, which also ranks the university first in Engineering and Computer Science globally. This high ranking was due, in part, to its reputation for hosting academic conferences and providing research opportunities. The university is also placed among Top 30 by the 2018 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. Khalifa University of Science and Technology is ranked the top university in the UAE by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2018. The university also placed first in the UAE and third in the Arab World by the 2018 THE subject rankings in ‘Engineering and Technology’.
 

According to the MoU, the two leading universities will embark on a collaborative program that includes research in broad engineering fields, with the initial focuses on solar and nuclear energy, energy materials and storage, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS), water and environment. It covers exchange of materials in education, and research, publications, academic information, visitation and exchange of faculty members, researchers and students.
 
Professor Qiu Yong, President of Tsinghua University, said “I am delighted to see the collaboration between our schools develop rapidly. The signing of this agreement will promote our cooperation and facilitate exchange in a number of key areas."
 
Dr Tod Laursen said: “We are delighted to cement this partnership with Tsinghua University, a leading Chinese academic institution that stands for quality and innovation. The ensuing partnership following this MoU will lead to cooperation in advancement of technology, while the exchange program for researchers, students and faculty will benefit both institutions through knowledge sharing. We believe the MoU will facilitate more interactions between the two universities in the near future.”
 
At present, Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s international collaboration partners include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Tokyo, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Georgia Tech, Texas A&M University, University of Western Australia, University of Bristol, Lockheed Martin, and Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC).