On the afternoon of April 14, China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) and Griffith University of Australia held a meeting of the Joint Management Committee for the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Program in Civil Engineering in Conference Room A310 of Xingjian Building. Vice President Bian Zhengfu of CUMT and Professor Marnie Watson, Vice President of Griffith University, attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Chen Wen, Director of the International Office.

Bian Zhengfu extended a warm welcome to Professor Marnie Watson and her delegation. He reviewed the long-term cooperation history and fruitful achievements between the two universities in talent cultivation and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that the program has been operating smoothly and steadily, with continuously improving teaching quality. He expressed the hope that both sides would take this meeting as an opportunity to systematically summarize cooperation experience, further optimize program management, continuously enhance teaching quality, actively expand cooperation areas, and jointly carry out scientific research cooperation through the program, so as to promote higher-quality and more sustainable development of the program.

Professor Marnie Watson expressed her sincere gratitude for CUMT’s warm hospitality. She stated that Griffith University and CUMT share a solid foundation for cooperation, close partnership, and fruitful outcomes, and that both universities have always been committed to the program’s development. She welcomed more CUMT students to study in Australia, assuring that the university would provide convenience and support for their daily life and studies. She fully agreed with the proposal for scientific research cooperation put forward by CUMT, believing that this would open up new areas for bilateral collaboration and further deepen the integration of academic research and talent cultivation between the two universities. She looked forward to maintaining close communication and mutual visits to bring the cooperation to new heights.

During the meeting, the program directors from both sides presented detailed reports on the current operation status, teaching implementation outcomes, and student development of the program. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on issues such as program renewal, expansion of research cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges, and exchanged views on deepening future cooperation.

Relevant leaders and faculty members from Griffith University’s School of Engineering and Built Environment participated online, while representatives from CUMT’s International Office, Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, and School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering attended the meeting in person.