Wendy Larner: Celebrating 130 years of innovation

Wendy Larner, President of Cardiff University, remarked that Tianjin University already enjoys an international reputation and is regarded worldwide as a model of innovation and engineering education. She expressed confidence that this reputation will continue to grow.

She noted that colleagues at Cardiff University have long worked closely with those at Tianjin University. In recent years, the two universities have undertaken joint research projects, student exchanges, and faculty visits, building a deep and enduring partnership.

“At present, we are exploring how to build further on this foundation and how we might work together for the future, which is very exciting for me,” she said. “Engineering education is one of our key areas of cooperation, but there are many other research opportunities as well, giving us a bright future ahead.”

Larner added that she was delighted to be invited to the conference, especially as it coincided with the celebration of Tianjin University’s 130th anniversary. “I know that Tianjin University was China’s first modern university. It has always been a forward-thinking institution, as it has demonstrated time and again throughout its 130-year history. I extend my sincere congratulations on its leadership and contributions over the past 130 years, and I also look forward to the future. Tianjin University truly is a global leader, and we are very pleased to be part of its next chapter.”