Leeds-Zhejiang University joint research workshop enhances academic collaboration

On September 17th, the Leeds-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center hosted a successful workshop at the Charles Thackrah Building, University of Leeds.

The recent workshop brought together professors and PhD students from both Zhejiang University and the University of Leeds, aiming to foster academic exchange and strengthen collaborative research efforts between the two institutions.

The event featured presentations by six doctoral students from Zhejiang University, organized into three groups, alongside three PhD students from the University of Leeds. Each presentation was followed by an in-depth Q&A session, offering a valuable platform for participants to discuss their ongoing projects and share insights. To ensure a rich academic exchange, several professors from Leeds University Business School (LUBS) joined as a panel to provide feedback and suggestions, including Professor Chee Yew Wong, Director of Research and Innovation for the Analytics, Technology, and Operations Department; Professor Nick Williams, Director of Research and Innovation for the Management and Organization Department; Professor Jatinder Sidhu, Chair in Strategic Management and Organization; Dr. Yi Wang from the International Business Department; and Dr. Jieke Chen from the Marketing Department. Other LUBS faculty members also contributed to the discussions, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere of the workshop.

The workshop began with opening remarks from Professor Song of Leeds University Business School, who welcomed attendees and expressed her hopes that the event would promote intellectual growth and foster long-term academic partnerships. Professor Du from Zhejiang University's School of Management echoed these sentiments, extending her gratitude to LUBS for hosting and encouraging students to actively engage in the discussions.

Throughout the afternoon, the PhD students presented research spanning various business disciplines, research methodologies, and data sources. These presentations sparked deep academic dialogues, with professors offering constructive feedback, allowing students to refine their work. The event created a dynamic learning environment, where participants could gain insights into the latest research developments at both universities.

The professors from both institutions actively participated in the presentations, offering academic advice and engaging in meaningful discussions with the students. This exchange further strengthened the intellectual ties between the two universities, paving the way for future collaboration.

In his closing remarks, Professor Nick Williams, Director of Research and Innovation for the Management and Organization Department, expressed his appreciation to all attendees and emphasized the long-standing partnership between Leeds and Zhejiang:  

Thank you all for coming. We have been collaborating for a long time and are so glad to have this opportunity for you to visit. Let’s keep this collaboration going beyond these papers and continue building our partnership.

Professor Du also highlighted the positive impact the workshop had on the academic development of both universities, stressing the importance of continuing these exchanges. In closing, Professor Song reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining and expanding the partnership, underscoring the value of inclusive, multidisciplinary collaboration.

Following the academic portion of the event, attendees enjoyed a welcome dinner to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, further enhancing cultural exchange and camaraderie. Yutong Liu, a PhD student from Zhejiang University, reflected on the day’s discussions:

It was a valuable exchange event, and I gained a lot from the intellectual exchange between the PhD students from Zhejiang and Leeds.

Another student, Guoqiao Liu, expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and academic feedback:

The feedback from Professor Song and other professors was invaluable, and the Leeds University campus is beautiful. It was wonderful to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival with new friends.

The Leeds-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center workshop not only strengthened academic collaboration between the two universities but also deepened mutual understanding of each institution’s academic and cultural practices, paving the way for continued partnership in research and education.