Vice-Chancellor to be awarded honorary professorship by Chinese university
Professor Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, is in China this week for a series of visits to universities in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Southampton's sister city, Qingdao, in the north east of China.
Whilst in Qingdao, Professor Wakeham will be awarded an Honourable Professorship by Ocean University China (OUC), Qingdao. The title Honourable Professor is the highest honour offered by Chinese universities and Professor Wakeham will receive the award tomorrow (Tuesday 22 February). The honour is of special significance because of Qingdao's links with Southampton.
OUC is one of the leading oceanography universities in China and is part of the Chinese National Marine Research Centre. Southampton's links with OUC were established in 2004.
During his visit to China, the Vice-Chancellor will also be signing an agreement between the University of Southampton's School of Biological Sciences and the Peking University College of Life Science to facilitate staff and student exchanges.
Notes for editors
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University has around 20,000 students and nearly 5000 staff. Its annual turnover is in the region of £270 million.
- Southampton Oceanography Centre, a joint venture between the University and the Natural Environment Research Council, is one of the world's leading centres for research and education in marine and earth sciences. Last year Southampton Oceanography Centre, representing the University of Southampton, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China National Oceanographic Research Centre (Qingdao), which includes the OUC.