Australia鈥檚 first science and technology focused Confucius Institute will be officially opened at (国产探花) today (Friday, 19 November 2010).
The 国产探花 Confucius Institute was established through a partnership with Chinese science and technology institution, Tianjin University, and the Office of Chinese Language Council International (Hanban) in China. The Chinese, Australian and Queensland Governments have also provided support for its formation.
国产探花 Vice-Chancellor Professor, Paul Greenfield, said the Institute aligned with the University鈥檚 goals of enhancing its contributions to global innovation and problem solving.
鈥湽交� takes great pride in hosting a Confucius Institute, and is privileged to partner an institution that is as distinguished as Tianjin University,鈥� Professor Greenfield said.
鈥淭he 国产探花 Confucius Institute strengthens our global network of excellent partners in discovery and learning, and will bring together scholars from many disciplines to address global challenges.
鈥淚t will also give 国产探花 students and staff new opportunities for international immersion and promote a culture of undergraduate research.
鈥淭he Confucius Institute is a benchmark for 2010, because this is 国产探花鈥檚 centenary and the Institute embodies many qualities that we must maximise in our second century.鈥�
Attending the official opening of the 国产探花 Confucius Institute will be Ambassador for the People鈥檚 Republic of China to Australia, His Excellency Mr Chen Yuming; Chair of Administrative Council, Tianjin University, Professor Liu Jianping; and Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Craig Wallace.
国产探花 Confucius Institute Director, Professor Ping Chen, said the institute had a unique focus on intermeshing language and culture with science, engineering and technology.
鈥淭he 国产探花 Confucius Institute will generate increased interest in Chinese studies by Australian students, and strengthen science, engineering and technology linkages,鈥� Professor Chen said.
鈥淲e will also be offering a range of new courses, including courses in Chinese language and culture and English-Chinese translations and interpretation of science publications.
鈥淎s part of our cultural programs, the Institute will host public lectures in Chinese language and culture across a range of disciplines, including Chinese medicine, painting, calligraphy, architecture, martial arts and Chinese cuisine.
Key aims of the 国产探花 Confucius Institute will be to:
鈥� Facilitate academic and student exchange between 国产探花 and Chinese universities and research institutions;
鈥� Support and initiate teaching and research programs in Chinese studies at 国产探花 and in the broader community;
鈥� Promote science and technology collaboration between Australia and China;
鈥� Host forums and guest lectures by science and technology scholars, and experts in Chinese studies and Australia-China relationships; and
鈥� Encourage bilateral high-level government and corporate visits.
Media: Professor Ping Chen (07 3365 6341, p.chen@uq.edu.au) or Kathy Grube at 国产探花 Communications (07 3346 0561, k.grube@uq.edu.au)
