On September 15, a delegation from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UK, led by Professor Mark Ellul, Joint Acting Vice-Chancellor visited the Institute of Creativity and Innovation（ICI）. They were warmly received by Ms. Wang Yi, Chair of the Institute Council, and Professor Qin Jian, Dean of the Institute. The representatives from both parties held in-depth discussions on exploring new avenues of high-quality collaboration, as well as advancing the institute’s development in its next phase. Ms. HE Dongmei, Deputy Dean of the institute, and Professor Philip Lambert, Associate Dean of the institute, also attended the meeting.
Dean Qin Jian extended a warm welcome to Professor Mark Ellul and his delegation. He pointed out that since the establishment of ICI, through the joint efforts of the two universities, a series of achievements and key breakthroughs have been made, particularly in talent cultivation, faculty team development, international engagement, and industry-academia integration. He also outlined the institute’s key tasks and development plans for the next phase. He noted that after more than five years of development, ICI has not only excelled in its student further study and employment competitiveness, but also made breakthroughs in industry-academia-research collaboration. The quality of enrolled students has continued to rise, while its influence both domestically and internationally has been steadily growing. He expressed his expectation to foster deeper integration of high-quality resources between the two universities and to build a new framework of multi-channel，wide-ranging and in-depth practical cooperation.
Professor Mark Ellul expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and highly commended the institute’s achievements and development momentum. He stated that UCA would further enhance a comprehensive and multi-level strategic alliance with ICI, with emphasis on deepening academic exchanges and industry-academia synergy. He highlighted the importance of closely aligning with and contributing to regional economic and social development, and his commitment to strengthening the infrastructure for building a high-level platform for international education collaboration. Ms. Li Dongyu, a member of the UCA delegation, affirmed her commitment to fully supporting students’ overseas studies, faculty and student mobility, and the expansion of international partnerships.
During the stay, the delegation also visited ICI's teaching and experimental spaces, including the film studio, innovative audio-visual printing experimental platform, and seminar rooms. They also viewed a student exhibition featuring course projects from Digital Media Arts, and engaged in cordial discussions with faculty and students.
