On the morning of April 10, 2024, Professor Tom Baldock, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Queensland, Associate Professor Johnny Ho from the same school, and Angela Li, Head of International Programs at the Faculty of Engineering, visited South China University of Technology. They were warmly welcomed by Huang Fei, Deputy Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation) Chen Wei, Head of the International Exchange Section, Yao Xiaohu, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Vice Deans Hu Nan and Yang Yang, and Hong Bo, Deputy Director of the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering. The two sides discussed cooperation in academic and research exchanges, as well as joint efforts in cultivating international talents.

Before the meeting, Vice Dean Hu Nan hosted a presentation on the University of Queensland's 3+1+X program at the JiaoTong Building. Angela Li provided an overview of the University of Queensland, while Tom Baldock elaborated on the curriculum, research areas, and teaching models within the School of Civil Engineering. He emphasized the school's strengths and the employment opportunities for graduates, especially with the upcoming Brisbane 2030 Olympics. During the Q&A, Angela Li addressed students' questions about course articulation, tuition fees, living costs, and employment prospects.

Ms. Angela Li, Head of International Programs at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Queensland, introduces the university overview (left).

Professor Tom Baldock, Dean of the School of Civil Engineering, presents the program (right).

At 10 a.m., a detailed discussion took place in Conference Room 410 of the JiaoTong Building, where Dean Yao Xiaohu extended a warm welcome to Professor Tom Baldock and his delegation. Vice Dean Hu Nan provided an overview of the South China University of Technology, covering its development history, disciplinary structure, faculty composition, and international collaborations. He emphasized the university's potential for cooperation with the University of Queensland in talent development and research. Angela Li and Tom Baldock further detailed the University of Queensland's programs and ongoing research initiatives. The discussions concluded with both parties agreeing to strengthen cooperation in talent development and academic exchanges, thereby offering students enhanced opportunities for international study and exchange.

Both sides engage in in-depth discussions.

Group photo of the participants.

Introduction to the University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ), founded in 1910, is the first comprehensive university in Queensland. It is one of the six sandstone universities and a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), the Group of Eight (Go8), UNIVERSITAS 21, the International Railway Union, and the International Alliance of New Engineering Education. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UQ is ranked 43rd, and in the 2024 US News Best Global Universities Rankings, it is ranked 30th.