Vice President ZHOU Jianghong welcomes the U of A delegation, strengthening academic partnerships

On the morning of October 17, Zhejiang University warmly received Melissa Padfield, Deputy Provost at the University of Alberta, and her delegation. Vice President ZHOU Jianghong, joined by leaders from the Office of Global Engagement, hosted the visitors as they explored avenues for deepening collaboration between the two institutions.

In his welcome remarks, ZHOU Jianghong highlighted Zhejiang University’s recent initiatives in AI-powered education, fundamental interdisciplinary research, and sustainable development. Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between the two universities. ZHOU Jianghong emphasized the prospects for conducting joint research, promoting two-way exchanges, developing joint training programs for top-notch talent, and exploring collaborations in online education. He looked forward to working with the University of Alberta to advance global impact through shared values and visions.

Melissa Padfield commended the solid foundation of cooperation between the two universities, evidenced by active faculty and student exchanges and cross-disciplinary research projects. She expressed enthusiasm for leveraging multidisciplinary strengths to foster joint PhD programs and sustainability-focused courses, emphasizing a partnership that would enrich education, research, and societal contributions.

The meeting also marked a formal milestone: ZHOU Jianghong and Melissa Padfield renewed the Student Exchange Agreement between Zhejiang University and the University of Alberta, reaffirming the universities’ commitment to fostering opportunities for students on both sides. Discussions followed on strategic directions, cooperative models, and pathways for advancing this partnership, with both sides aligning on key priorities for the future.