Durban University of Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China’s Jiangnan University, on 26 August at ML Sultan Campus, sealing an academic trade agreement. Jiangnan University is one of China’s national key project universities which is currently involved in several research undertakings with numerous partnerships with global academic and research institutions. The strategic collaboration focuses on sharing a dual vision aimed at developing and expanding on current academic partnerships and research on the efficiency of biotechnology for sustainable development within the food and new generation bio-manufacturing industries. Deputy Vice Chancellor of Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Prof Frederick Otieno said: “The collaboration between the two universities will increase research and the socioeconomic status of this country in terms of jobs and poverty.”

He added that DUT’s aims to become a leading university in teaching and learning can only be achieved through strategic partnerships, thereby enhancing research output making academic research a norm.

Jiangnan University is internationally recognised for its research capacity, quality of students and high standard of facilities and is currently involved in research exchange between 72 international universities with DUT being the latest addition. Prof Suren Singh, head of the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology said the department is in support of the academic trade agreement and believes the collaboration will be a success.

Pictured: Delegates from China’s Jiangnan University with DUT management at the signing of the academic trade agreement

by Lisa Mbongwa
Photographer: Sboniso Biyela