The Group of Eight Universities (Go8) and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) affirm our commitment to working together to support high quality research partnerships and education collaboration that are of mutual benefit to Australia and China. 

Senior university representatives from 22 leading research-intensive Chinese universities, led by CEAIE Deputy Secretary-General Ms Fu Bo, visited Australia and met with Go8 leadership as part of the Australia-China University Presidents Forum, held in Adelaide. The constructive dialogue focused on challenges and opportunities around university research in a fast-evolving, globalised world, including research training, innovation, and commercialisation. This is the first and the largest Chinese university delegation to meet with Go8 leadership since COVID-19.

The Go8 represents Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, which undertakes 70 per cent of Australian university research activity. CEAIE is a nationwide organisation, supporting international people-to-people exchange and education cooperation with a total of 1,212 Chinese member institutions including ‘Double First-Class’ universities.

The Go8 and CEAIE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019 in Beijing, with the aim to strengthen university dialogue and collaboration between Australia and China in areas of shared interest. During this Forum in Adelaide, the Go8 and CEAIE renewed the MoU to continue promoting the development of the China-Australia Research University Alliance. 

The meeting noted that Australia and China are key research and education partners in our region with complementary strengths and mutual interests. Our research and education links not only deliver enormous economic and social benefits for both countries, but also foster enduring people-to-people ties and boost practical cooperation and open dialogue.  The meeting recognised the strong collaboration between Go8 and Chinese institutions in recent years, despite the COVID-19 disruptions. 

It was agreed that research collaboration should remain central to enhancing our long-standing bilateral relationship, and to driving science discovery, skills, trade and mutual economic growth in the 21st century knowledge economy. It will help us navigate and find solutions to shared challenges, such as climate change, energy transition, health and food insecurity. These shared agendas form the basis for a practical partnership to further strengthen Australia-China ties. The Go8 and CEAIE commit to working together to identify further opportunities to leverage and expand our existing research and education collaborations for our mutual benefit.