CI's 12th Joint Annual Board Meeting Sets Strategic Direction for Next Phase

The 12th Joint Annual Board Meeting of USTB-DMU CI took place on 28 October, bringing together senior representatives from both universities to review progress, agree priorities and strengthen joint governance.

The Board reviewed CI’s 2025 work summary and financial report, discussed the 2026 work plan and budget, and considered opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two universities. Fifteen representatives attended, including Prof. Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, and Mr. Shi Liwei, Vice President of the University of Science and Technology Beijing. Senior leaders recognized CI’s achievements in recent years and underlined the Board’s role in providing strategic oversight and supporting the CI’s long-term development.

Yi Zhang, Co-Director of CI, presented the work report and plan. A transition ceremony for the new CI Director marked an important moment of leadership renewal, underlining continuity and renewed commitment from both universities. Mr. Simon Bradbury and Prof. Shushma Patel reflected on CI’s progress and shared their confidence in its future, while the new Director, Prof. Shushma Patel, said she looked forward to working with colleagues from both universities to take CI forward.

The meeting reaffirmed that CI will build on its strengths in Mandarin teaching and cultural engagement, while creating further opportunities to promote mutual understanding between Chinese and British cultures.