Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Lancaster University, visited Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) from 22 to 25 April 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen LU-BJTU higher education collaboration and expand joint academic initiatives.
On 23 April, Professor Guy was welcomed by Professor Chen Ziji, Party Secretary of BJTU, and Vice President Gao Liang at the university’s Siyuan Building. During the meeting, Professor Chen offered an overview of BJTU’s history, its multi-campus strategy, disciplinary development, and internationalisation agenda. He praised the partnership between BJTU and Lancaster since the establishment of Lancaster University College in 2016, noting significant achievements in education and academic exchange.
Looking ahead, Professor Chen expressed hopes to broaden the scope of collaboration, resume faculty visits to the UK, enhance inter-campus engagement, and begin preparations for the College’s tenth anniversary in 2026.
Professor Guy thanked BJTU for its long-standing support and shared updates on Lancaster’s international strategy, global partnerships, and academic development. He reaffirmed Lancaster’s commitment to deepening the partnership through enhanced student and staff exchange, faculty development, and transnational education.
Earlier in the visit, on 22 April, the Lancaster delegation met with staff from the School of Civil Engineering to discuss a proposed joint undergraduate programme in Smart Construction. Discussions focused on curriculum design, resource sharing and implementation pathways. Both sides expressed a strong desire to move forward with the initiative and explore further opportunities for academic collaboration.
During their time in Beijing, the delegation also met representatives from several other schools, including Automation and Intelligence, Mathematics and Statistics, and Computer Science and Technology, to explore areas of shared interest and future cooperation.
On 24 April, the delegation visited BJTU’s Weihai campus, where they were welcomed by the campus leadership. Discussions focused on expanding student enrolment at Lancaster University College, enhancing campus infrastructure, staff development, cross-border mobility for students and faculty, as well as preparations for the upcoming graduation ceremony and the College’s tenth anniversary celebrations.
The delegation also took time to meet with students and academic staff, gaining insight into the college’s day-to-day operations and community. On 25 April, the visit concluded with attendance at the opening of the “MULTIFACETED PRISM” Digital Media Arts Degree Show, celebrating the work of the graduating class of 2025.
The visit reinforced the strong relationship between Lancaster University and BJTU, and laid the groundwork for further strategic collaboration across teaching, research, and student experience.
