A Delegation Headed by President Gong Visited UK

From Feb. 4-9, a delegation headed by President Ke Gong visited UK. They focused their visit to University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, and the University of Sheffield. They also visit IChemE, an authoritative accreditation organization for undergraduate education in Chemical Engineering, in which area Tainjin University is of particular strength.

The highlight of this visit took place at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire, former residence of Sir Isaac Newton, where the scions of the precious Apple Tree were donated to Tianjin University by the National Trust. In Cambridge, the delegation was greeted by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kate Pretty, and discussed with the academic staff in the area of chemical engineering for collaboration.

They also visited the apple tree in Trinity College, drafted directly from Newton s Apple Tree at Woolsthorpe Manor. In the University of Manchester, the delegation met Pro-Vice-Chancellor John Perkins, and Deans and professors from the area of chemical engineering, electric and electronic engineering, and the Office of International Relations.

Discussions were held and both sides agreed on co-supervision and joint education of PhD students, and collaboration on research. The delegation also visited major labs in these areas. Vice-Chancellor Bob Boucher from the University of Sheffield hosted a welcome dinner at home to the guests from Tianjin.

After discussions with academic staff, and visits to related labs, an Memorandum of Understanding between Tianjin University and the University of Sheffield was sign by President Gong and Vice-Chancellor Boucher, which laid solid basis for future collaboration in education and research between the two universities.

The delegation visited the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for the possibility of accrediting the undergraduate education in Tianjin University. Both sides agreed to cooperate closely in the time to come. During this visit in UK, President Gong spared time to meet some of TJU alumni in London, including Prof.

H. Zhao from Brunel University, Prof, X. Wu from Imperial College and Mr. Xixu Sun from Bank of China. The General Manager of Bank of China, London Branch, Dr. Kenneth Q. Ge also joined the meeting. The most exciting part of the visit took place on Feb. 9, 2007, when the delegation visited Sir Isaac Newton s hometown, Woolsthorpe Manor, where the beautiful legend goes that Sir Isaac Newton discovered the Law of Gravity after observing a falling apple.

The Apple Tree bearing such a legendary history has become known world wide, and has been particularly worshiped by universities and research institutions. The National Trust has decided to donate scions of the famous Newton s Apple Tree to the first university in China. It s the first donation to China ever made by the Manor.

President Gong cut the twigs of Newton s Apple Tree on behalf of Tianjin University outside Newton s former house, and signed related document with representative from the National Trust. These precious scions will bring Newton s spirit of scientific pioneering into mainland China, and inspire millions of Chinese students to work more innovatively for the future.