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Chinese partners enhance science research


May 21, 2007

ASU's global reach will be extended by collaborative ventures with two of China's premier higher education and research institutions.

Recently completed agreements establish an educational program in cooperation with Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and a research program that will pair the biomedical engineering college of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and the Center for Neural Interface Design at ASU.

Both projects are the result of efforts by Jiping He, a professor in the Harrington Department of Bioengineering in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. He is director of the Center for Neural Interface Design. He also completed his undergraduate studies at HUST and has been a visiting professor there.

HUST and ASU will establish a “3+2 program” in which selected HUST students would complete three years of undergraduate engineering studies in China and then be accepted into specific fields of study at ASU for two years to finish training for a bachelor's degree from HUST plus a master's degree from ASU.

The first group of Chinese students selected to participate are planning to begin studies at ASU in the fall semester, He says.

An agreement with SJTU sets forth a plan to establish the Joint Institute for Neural Engineering between China and the United States.

SJTU and ASU are to pursue joint research projects and educational initiatives, exchange visiting scholars and students, and jointly present seminars, workshops and conferences.

The institute's work will involve developing technology such as advanced prosthetics and therapeutic devices for people with diseases and injuries affecting the central nervous system.

There also are plans to expand such collaborative efforts by bringing Chinese students pursuing doctoral degrees in engineering to participate in research at ASU.

“Our idea is to start these educational and research collaborations in engineering fields and eventually extend them to other colleges, schools and programs across the university,” He says.

The new partnerships “are going to significantly advance ASU's engagement in the global community,” says Mengying Li, a strategic planner for the ASU president's office. “Given the prominence of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, they will greatly improve ASU's presence in China.”

“Jiping He has successfully leveraged his strong connections to enhance ASU's research and discovery network,” says Mariko Silver, director of strategic projects for the president's office. “We are anticipating excellent results from both partnerships.”