As one of the important international events of the centenary celebration of Xiamen University, the 11th GU8 Council of Presidents Meeting was successfully convened online on May 19th. The attendees included presidents and representatives from University of Hull, Université du Havre, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Inha University, University Malaysia Perlis and Xiamen University. Yang Bin, Vice President of Xiamen University, attended the meeting on behalf of Xiamen University.
At the opening ceremony, Zhang Rong, President of Xiamen University, delivered a speech to welcome all through a prerecorded video. In the speech, he extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees from the member universities and their best wishes to the centenary of Xiamen University, and also gave an overview of Xiamen University participating in the work of GU8 Consortium. He expressed that Xiamen University would continue to support the development of GU8 Consortium. Susan Lea, President of GU8 Consortium and University of Hull, delivered an opening speech, in which she congratulated Xiamen University on its centenary, introduced the research results in the field of new energy and their practice in constructing a carbon neutral campus of University of Hull, and appealed to member universities to enhance cooperation and face the global challenges together.
Yang Bin reviewed the centenary celebration of Xiamen University and online summer programs. Vice president of Inha University, President of Université du Havre, the Standing Vice President of University Malaysia Perlis and the representative of Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg made speeches in turn, sharing information of student exchanges, scientific research and online resources etc.
In the meeting, Martine Currie, Secretary General of the consortium, reviewed the development history of GU8 Consortium, made a report on the construction of consortium website, selection criteria of new members, withdrawal mechanism, division of administrative duty, election of vice chairman of joint scientific research and education committee and financial conditions. Through in-depth discussion, the attendees reached a consensus on these issues and identified future directions. Hilary Layton, Director of Office of International Cooperation and Exchange of University of Hull, reported the details of the consortium website, and shared ideas of extending the influence and enhancing the visibility of the consortium. Dan Parsons, Chairman of the joint scientific research committee, introduced the preparing progress of the International Seminar on Renewable Energy to be held on July 10th and encouraged researchers from universities to actively participate to facilitate scientific research information sharing, realize the potential of joint efforts in scientific research of the consortium and promote global carbon neutrality. Michael Hauchecorne, Chairman of the education committee, gave a report on the signing of student exchange agreements between universities of the consortium, the student exchange programs and GMBA projects. He proposed more online education resources should be provided by universities to compensate students who could not exchange offline.
Philip Gilmartin, Vice President of University of Hull, concluded the conference. He affirmed the achievements made through the meeting and he looked forward to future cooperation. He said that although the epidemic hindered the cross-border flowing of talents, the aspiration for international cooperation among member universities was even stronger, and it was gratifying that the frequency of consortium communication was not greatly affected.
During the conference, it was decided that the GU8 Council of Presidents Meeting would be held again in November this year to enhance cooperation. Yu Hongbo, Executive Director of the Office of Overseas Campus Affairs and Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, and other staff, were also present during this meeting.
