An LSE delegation led by Professor Susana Mourato, LSE’s Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research), deepened research, education and alumni partnerships in China.
In late April, LSE undertook a four‑day partnership visit to China, led by Professor Susana Mourato. The visit brought together senior academic leaders, strategic partners, alumni, and offer holders across Beijing and Chengdu, reinforcing LSE’s long‑term commitment to collaborative research, education, and global engagement in China.
Advancing Collaboration with Strategic Partners
The visit started at Tsinghua University, where meetings with Executive Vice President Zeng Rong and Tsinghua’s Global Research Partnerships team focused on strengthening institution‑wide collaboration and identifying new opportunities for bilateral research. Discussions built on the success of the LSE–Tsinghua University Sustainability Research Seed Fund, where joint teams are already delivering cutting‑edge research addressing global sustainability challenges.
© Tsinghua University. From left to right: Professor Yue Qiu (Tsinghua), Dr Sophie Cope (LSE), Dr Mengxi Pang (LSE), Dr Wenjuan Dong (Tsinghua), Professor Susana Mourato (LSE), Dr Brendan Smith (LSE), Professor Rong Zeng (Tsinghua), Professor Giles Atkinson (LSE), Ms Nannan Liu (Tsinghua), Ms Han Zhang (Tsinghua)
Later that day, the delegation connected with future students and graduates at a combined postgraduate offer holder reception and alumni event. Professor Susana Mourato and Professor Giles Atkinson (Department of Geography and Environment; Grantham Research Institute) shared updates on LSE’s evolving research agenda and teaching priorities, highlighting the School’s global outlook and commitment to impactful, policy‑relevant scholarship. Dr Brendan Smith, the Executive Director of International Strategy and Academic Partnerships, gave a talk at the Beijing offer holder event and met with prospective students and alumni.
Day two focused on Peking University (PKU). Hosted by PKU Vice President Professor Duan Huiling, discussions explored the growing success of shared double degree programmes and emerging priorities for future collaboration. A particular focus was placed on future technologies and society as a shared thematic strength.
The delegation also held detailed discussions with PKU’s College of Environmental Science and Engineering on the LSE–PKU Double MSc Degree in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health. Conversations covered programme enhancements, new placement opportunities, and long‑term academic sustainability, with contributions from Dr Brendan Smith and Professor Giles Atkinson.
© Peking University. From left to right: Ms Jing Zhou (PKU), Dr Sophie Cope (LSE), Dr Mengxi Pang (LSE), Professor Giles Atkinson (LSE), Dr Brendan Smith (LSE), Professor Susana Mourato (LSE), Professor Huiling Duan (PKU), Professor Shiqi Tang (PKU), Professor Qi Chen (PKU), Professor Jian Zhang (PKU), Dr Bernhard Schwartlander (PKU)
Supporting UK–China Research Exchange through Chevening
As part of the visit, the delegation jointly delivered the inaugural LSE–Chevening Research Roadshow in Beijing and Chengdu in collaboration with the Chevening team based at the British Embassy Beijing. Since the 1980s, LSE has hosted over 300 Chevening scholars and committed to supporting mid‑career professionals from China. During the Beijing event, keynotes and panel sessions explored Sino‑UK relations, sustainability, climate change, and the social sciences, showcasing the long‑term impact of the LSE Chevening Fellowship Programme on global research collaboration.
© Mengxi Pang Professor Susana Mourato gave keynote remarks at the Chevening LSE Research Roadshow event in Beijing
Corporate and Alumni Engagement in Chengdu
The visit concluded in Chengdu, beginning with a company visit to Tongwei, a global leader in renewable energy and photovoltaics. Meetings with senior leadership explored shared research interests in sustainability, reflecting the close alignment between Tongwei’s mission and LSE’s ethos of “the betterment of society.” A roundtable with alumni working in sustainability‑related roles further underlined the value of practitioner insight and global alumni engagement.
The trip concluded with an alumni and offer holder reception hosted by the Chengdu Alumni Group at The Bridge, an alumni‑owned restaurant overlooking the historic Anshun Bridge. The warmth, enthusiasm and pride shown by alumni provided a fitting close to a visit defined by collaboration, shared ambition, and enduring partnerships across China.
© LSE Chengdu Alumni Association