Representatives from Qingdao Agricultural University have been welcomed to Murdoch University for a three day visit to our campus.

Murdoch University Pro Vice Chancellor Harry Butler Institute Simon McKirdy welcomed the President of the Qingdao Agricultural University, Song Xiyun, along with 17 researchers and 3 professional staff on Sunday for the start of a three day visit to our campus.

The delegation, including 36 Perth based Qingdao students and staff, 8 PhD students and 2 visiting fellows were introduced to Murdoch University with an Australian BBQ at Bush Court, a welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and an Indigenous dance performance.

Along with the special guests, the informal event was also attended by Professor Peter Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor Food Futures Institute, Professor Lucy Johnston, Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation and Professor Yonglin Ren, Professor in Plant Biology, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences. The Consul General of China, Madam Dong was also in attendance.

Yesterday, Deputy Vice Chancellor International, Lyn Karstadt, formally welcomed the delegation and reinforced the importance of partnership.

Professor Karstadt told the delegation it has been some time since she visited Qingdao Agricultural University but recalled the hospitality as outstanding.

“We at Murdoch University hope that from this reciprocal visit significant things will grow.”

The delegation heard that as friends and partners over many years, the Universities have explored many possibilities.

These include the establishment of the Australia-China Joint Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Health in April this year.

In addition there has been the recruitment of several QAU PhD students and two visiting scholars, along with a joint research program, which has grown rapidly to include seven areas of research.

Seven Qingdao academics have been appointed as Murdoch University Adjunct Professors and PhD supervisors from November 2018 for three years, and we welcomed the arrival of 34 Qingdao Masters students and two staff at Murdoch in July for a three-month study tour.

Professor Karstadt welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent, which will see some courses incorporated to include three years of study at Qingdao Agricultural University and one year at Murdoch University.

Qingdao Agriculture University President Song Xiyun told the meeting he was pleased to be reunited with old friends at the first workshops of the joint institute.   

“These workshops will set up another important platform to deepen discussions and collaborative research."

The president also shared an old Chinese saying.

“Nothing, not mountains or seas, can separate people with shared goals.”

Professor Karstadt told the gathering they are all influencers and have this incredible opportunity to move forward.

The formalities over, the delegates attended bilateral meetings where 15 researchers from QAU and MU shared and present research.