University of York to hold degree ceremony in China
Posted on 27 March 2008
The Chancellor of the University, Greg Dyke, will confer degrees on more than 100 postgraduates in Beijing on 29 March 2008, as part of the University’s growing links with the Asia Pacific region.
The University has held previous degree ceremonies in Central Hall on the York campus, which has involved a round trip of more than 10,000 miles for the families of Chinese graduands. As a result, it has often been difficult for families of international students to be able to attend.
This official ceremony in Beijing underlines our commitment to strengthening [global] partnerships
Professor Brian Cantor
At the ceremony in Beijing, the University will also confer the honorary degree of Doctor of the University on two eminent Chinese scientists, Professor Bai Chunli and Professor Pan Yunhe.
As a former President of Zhejiang University, with which York signed a bilateral agreement in 2004, Professor Pan has been instrumental in developing co-operation between the two institutions, both of which are members of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN). He is one of China's pioneers of computer-aided design and computer arts.
Professor Bai is a world authority on nanotechnology - the University of York last year opened the York JEOL Nanocentre, a world-class research facility with specialised facilities in electron microscopy and nanolithography. Professor Bai is chief scientist for the National Steering Committee for Nanoscience and Related Technology and Director of China National Center for Nanoscience and Technology.
York’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor said the University’s first graduation ceremony overseas demonstrated its growing international focus.
"York is a world-class university and increasingly a global one. We value greatly our relationship with partner institutions in China and around the world, and I believe we have much to learn from one another" he said.
"This official ceremony in Beijing underlines our commitment to strengthening these partnerships - as well as enabling families and friends of our students from the region to share in the graduation celebrations."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Professor Bai Chunli is a world expert in nanotechnology, and was the first person in China to use scanning tunnelling microscopy, an area of research for which he has become famous. He is chief scientist for the Chinese National Steering Committee for Nanoscience and Related Technology, Director of China National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, and Executive Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Before beginning work in academia, he did national service in Mongolia. He graduated from the Department of Chemistry, Peking University in 1978 and received his MS and Ph.D. degrees from CAS Institute of Chemistry in 1981 and 1985, respectively.
- Professor Pan Yunhe is one of China's pioneers of computer-aided design and computer arts. Born in the Zhejiang province, he is an accomplished calligrapher, and has a particular interest in the computer synthesis of calligraphy. He was honoured as a 'Chinese Master Degree Scholar with Outstanding Contribution' by the National Education Commission and Academic Degree Commission of National Council in 1991. Between 1995 and 2006, Professor Pan presided over the development of Zhejiang University into one of China's largest universities, during which time he also played a central role in building relations between Zhejiang and York. He is Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
- The University of York, founded in 1963, has 12,000 students, 3,000 staff and more than 30 academic departments and research centres. From its inception, the University has concentrated on strong viable departments and teaching and research of the highest quality. York is 74th in the latest QS/Times Higher Education Supplement rankings of the world’s top 200 universities. The University has ambitious plans for growth. This includes plans for a 50 per cent growth in student numbers - much of it focused on postgraduate and international students - and significant research expansion and spin-out activity as the University develops the potential of its intellectual property. York intends to remain one of Britain’s leading research-intensive universities, and to develop its global reputation. More information at www.york.ac.uk.
- The University of York has strong international links with the Asia Pacific region. The University has more than 700 Chinese alumni, some of whom will be attending the ceremony in Beijing.
- The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is a partnership of 16 research-led universities from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America. The WUN alliance exists to make significant advances in knowledge and understanding in areas of current global concern. By fostering and encouraging collaboration between members, WUN brings together the experience, equipment and expertise necessary to tackle the big issues currently facing societies, governments, corporations and education. More information at www.wun.ac.uk.