The Joint Management Committee (JMC) meeting of South China Agricultural University Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology was successfully convened on December 8, 2023, utilizing a hybrid format combining online and offline participation. Xue Hongwei (President of South China Agricultural University and Chairman of the JMC), Orla Feely (President and Chairman of the JMC of University College Dublin), Dolores O'Riordan (Vice President of University College Dublin), members of the joint Management committee from both institutions and key officials from relevant colleges were in attendance. The meeting was co-chaired by Xue Hongwei and Orla Feely.
Xue Hongwei stated that the establishment of Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology (hereinafter referred to as "Guangzhou Dublin International College") is a significant milestone in the deepening exchanges and cooperation between our University and University College Dublin, marking a new phase of collaboration between the two institutions. Over the past three years, both schools have maintained close communication and active cooperation, effectively advancing various educational and teaching initiatives in a comprehensive and organized manner. The enrollment of four consecutive student cohorts at Guangzhou Dublin International College has seen a substantial improvement in student quality. The College has also gained an increasingly positive social reputation and recognition. All these achievements are impossible without joint efforts from both governments and university staff. It is hoped that further consensus-building and integration between the two universities will lead to the development of Guangzhou Dublin International College into an all-encompassing multi-level exchange platform, while also establishing both universities as exemplary international education demonstration areas. This will enable us to cultivate more high-level, innovative, internationally-minded talents while promoting high-quality development for both institutions.
Orla Feely emphasized the significance of South China Agricultural University as a key partner of University College Dublin and conveyed sincere appreciation to the leadership and colleagues of both institutions for their collaborative efforts in academic cooperation. She expressed hope for continued collaboration in advancing the development of Guangzhou Dublin International College, thereby fostering mutual progress and growth. "This year, the faculty of University College Dublin came to Guangzhou to conduct face-to-face teaching. I am very grateful to South China Agricultural University for its warm reception and strong support."
Dolores O' Riordan stated that University College Dublin will continue to uphold the high standard of teaching and foster student development. The meeting reviewed and approved the minutes of the 2022 Joint Management Committee, the list of members of the new Joint Management Committee, and their respective responsibilities. It also listened to the annual work report and financial report, deliberated on and approved the addition of three Dublin University courses in Biological Sciences and the establishment a joint scholarship fund and other matters. Both parties also discussed promoting scientific research cooperation and integration between the faculties of both universities, facilitating student exchanges between Guangzhou Dublin International College and University College Dublin, as well as further deepening cooperation to enhance talent training quality.
It is reported the two universities will leverage the opportunity presented by Guangzhou Dublin International College to establish a comprehensive and multi-level exchange and cooperation platform. This initiative aims to further enhance the school-running mechanism, with a focus on cultivating high-quality international talents. Additionally, it seeks to drive deep integration between the two universities in scientific research cooperation, graduate training, platform construction, and discipline development in order to achieve mutual benefit and development
