UK International Center Launches Collaborative Research Program With Shanghai University

Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2016) — As part of an effort to strengthen collaborative teaching and research between University of Kentucky and Chinese universities, the UK Confucius Institute, Office of China Initiatives and Shanghai University’s (SHU) Office of International Affairs have launched the 2017 SHU Elite Research Program.

Five UK faculty (associate or full professors) from multiple disciplines will have the opportunity to participate in this select program.

“One of the missions of Office of China Initiatives is to identify collaborative research opportunities for UK faculty as we believe that collaborative research is an important component of internationalization on campus,” said Huajing Maske, director of UK Confucius Institute and executive director of the Office of China Initiatives. “Shanghai University is one of UK’s strategic partners in China. Because of its location in a cosmopolitan and international city, it offers more opportunities and better infrastructure for our faculty to research there.”

Research responsibilities will include working with a SHU partner professor to develop a collaborative research project, giving two presentations about research in the field, and participating in activities provided by SHU departments and the university.

The program will be conducted in English and last 30 days. Participants can choose the dates of their one-month research trip between May 8 and July 7, 2017.

Shanghai University will provide $4,000 to cover the costs of the international round-trip tickets and one-month accommodation (including weekends).

“We hope that UK faculty will take advantage of this opportunity to expand their research horizon and network,” Maske said. “One UK faculty member from Department of Computer Science who participated in the 2015 Shanghai University Elite Research Program brought his Shanghai University research partner back to UK campus for one month of research this fall. The collaborations do not only benefit individual faculty’s research but also provide students with opportunities to learn the newest research in their fields.”

Candidates can apply via email by completing the application packet (see details below) and submitting it to Yang Zengxianga at zya229@uky.edu by Nov. 30, 2016.

A committee including members of both universities will review the applications and selected candidates will be notified by Feb. 1, 2017.

The application packet includes:

• an application form;
• a résumé;
• a dean’s recommendation form;
• a lecture/seminar description; and
• a collaborative research proposal.

In addition, participants need a valid passport for at least six months after the final day of travel, which means the passport must be valid until December of 2017. UK Confucius Institute will handle the visa application for successful candidates. However, the visa application fee of $308.50 will apply.

For questions, please contact UK Confucius Institute Director Huajing Maske at huajing.maske@uky.edu. For more information, click here.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UK Confucius Institute provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UK Confucius Institute and future events, join the institute's listerv and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (UKConfucius).