Designed to promote multidisciplinary research in sustainable development, researchers will look at developing solutions to global problems such as environmental pollution remediation, ecosystem restoration, renewable and clean energy and ‘big data’ science.
The Sydney arm will incorporate expertise in complex systems, computer engineering and resources and environmental data science, led by Professor Jun Huang from the University of Sydney Nano Institute and School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Both universities have been in a strategic partnership since 2018, when they set up a joint seed funding scheme to support new collaborative research projects.
Professor Belov said she hoped the enhanced partnership would address major global problems and work towards the UN 2030 Agenda.
“Global problems require global solutions – working alongside our colleagues in China, our researchers will be finding and developing solutions to some of the biggest issues of our time."
Professor Li of Zhejiang University said: “The signing of this MoU marks a firm step forward in our relationship, affirming our shared commitment to sustainable development.”
The signing ceremony was held online, attended by Dean of Engineering Professor Willy Zwaenepoel and Dean of Zhejiang University's College of Environmental and Resource Sciences and Dean of Zhejiang University’s Academy of Ecological Civilisation Professor Baoliang Chen, who ratified the agreement. University of Sydney Pro-Vice Chancellor of Global Engagement Professor Katherine Belov, Director of Sydney Nano, Professor Ben Eggleton, and Director of Global Engagement at Zhejiang University, Professor Min Li also attended.