TORONTO, October 28, 2010 – York University today signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Beihang University, allowing for the exchange of students and faculty across disciplines, and offering collaborative opportunities to better research, teaching and faculty development.

“York University recognizes that we now live in a global village and to remain on the forefront of knowledge we – and our students – must be global in our scope. Such exchange agreements are key to providing our students with opportunities to add an international component to their academic program,” says Lorna Wright, York’s associate vice-president international.

In particular, York aims to expand its expertise in the areas of life science, space science, and engineering, says Janusz Kozinski, dean of York’s Faculty of Science & Engineering.

“York University, and in particular the Faculty of Science & Engineering, is delighted to initiate this partnership with Beihang University, which is one of the most prestigious universities in China,” Kozinski says. “We will collaborate on specific research projects, aligned with mutual strategic research priorities. We will also exchange students and researchers across disciplines. These activities will strengthen York's character as one of the most interdisciplinary and international universities in Canada.”

Kozinski notes that in the next decade, there will be a significant increase in opportunities for York University students to participate in experiential education activity, both domestically and internationally, as a component of their degree program.

The signing took place in the run-up to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s third mission to China. His team will meet with Chinese officials and business leaders to highlight Ontario’s expertise in clean water technology, financial services, international education and other areas, part of the Open Ontario Plan.

York's relationship with China and Chinese universities has a long history, dating from the University's beginnings. View our fact sheet on China and York for more information.

View high resolution images from the signing ceremony on the York Media Relations Flickr page.

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York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

Media Contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097, mehughes@yorku.ca