Closer links have been forged between the University of Aberdeen and the University of Petroleum – Beijing following the signing of an agreement between the two institutions in China earlier today.
In the presence of First Minister Jack McConnell, Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice Principal, Research and Commercialisation, of the University of Aberdeen, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Professor Li Xiusheng, President of the University of Petroleum-Beijing.
Professor Houlihan said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement which cements the relationship between the two institutions and will lead to greater joint working, such as student exchanges. The initial exchanges will be in the areas of petroleum geology and geology, and the programmes will develop through time.
“We are delighted that the First Minster has supported us today by witnessing the signing and joining discussion on other ways in which we could work together in the future.”
Three members of staff from the Petroleum University-Beijing are currently studying at the University of Aberdeen, having arrived last month. During their six-month visit, the ‘students' – one a philosopher and two engineers - will conduct research and attend lectures as part of the Visiting Scholars' Programme. In addition, the University of Aberdeen is due to receive postgraduate students in September 2005 into its Masters course in Hydrocarbon Enterprise as part of the 1+1 programme, where Masters Students do a one-year Masters in Beijing and a one-year Masters in Aberdeen.
For further information please contact: Angela Ferguson, Communications Office, on: (01224) 272960.