On the afternoon of October 22, 2026, a delegation from the University of Bristol, UK, including Professor Ian Nabney, Academic Director for Education Partnerships and Employability in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Ms Mandy Cheung, International Partnerships Officer, visited the School of Energy Science and Engineering at Central South University. The two sides exchanged views on international education, joint education programmes and research collaboration. The meeting was attended by Professor Zhiqiang Sun, Dean of the School; Hongcai Wang, Deputy Secretary of the School’s Party Committee; and Professor Hailong Li, Vice Dean. The meeting was chaired by Hongcai Wang.
On behalf of the School, Professor Sun warmly welcomed the University of Bristol delegation and introduced the School’s work in education, disciplinary development and international engagement. He noted that the University of Bristol is an internationally renowned research university with a distinguished academic tradition and strong research capabilities. He also emphasised the School’s commitment to openness and international education, highlighting its established partnerships with universities overseas. Professor Sun expressed his hope that the visit would provide an opportunity for both institutions to build on their respective strengths, deepen cooperation in education and research, and create more opportunities for students to study and develop internationally.
Professor Nabney thanked the School for its warm hospitality and introduced the University of Bristol’s educational philosophy, academic programmes, student employment and campus development. He highlighted the University’s strengths in international education and expressed a strong interest in collaborating with the School on a “3+1” undergraduate-to-master’s pathway. Both sides also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in education and scientific research.
Following the meeting, Professor Nabney delivered a lecture to undergraduate students at the School. He introduced the University of Bristol’s educational strengths, key academic disciplines and approach to international education, with particular emphasis on its Accelerated Master’s Degree Programme (AMD). The programme offers a “3+1” pathway under which students complete the first three years of undergraduate study at their home university in China before undertaking one year of master’s-level study at the University of Bristol. Subject to meeting the relevant degree requirements, students may be awarded a bachelor’s degree by their home university and a master’s degree by the University of Bristol. Professor Nabney also presented the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s principal research areas, recent advances and industrial applications, giving students an insight into developments at the forefront of international research.
During the question-and-answer session, students actively engaged with Professor Nabney on topics including the University of Bristol’s campus environment, student life and the practical arrangements for the “3+1” programme. He addressed their questions in detail, and the session featured lively discussion. The lecture enhanced students’ understanding of the University of Bristol and its international education opportunities, while broadening their global academic perspectives.
The visit strengthened mutual understanding between the two institutions and laid a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in joint international education and research. Looking ahead, the School will continue to expand its partnerships with leading universities worldwide, explore new approaches to international education and enhance its global engagement, supporting the development of highly qualified professionals in the energy sector with international perspectives and innovative capabilities.
Reviewed by: Yang Chenyu (1st), Xu Dan (2nd), Li Hailong (3rd)
