Shao Jinyou (R), vice president of XJTU, and John Bell (L), deputy vice-chancellor of UniSQ, discuss collaboration.

A University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) delegation led by John Bell, its deputy vice-chancellor, and Ren Yi, its pro vice-chancellor, visited Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) on April 17.

Shao Jinyou, vice president of XJTU, noted that the two universities share extensive potential for cooperation in mechanical engineering and materials science. He expressed hope that this exchange would serve as an opportunity to collaborate on research platforms, doctoral training, and academic talent exchanges to promote high-level international cooperation and technological innovation.

Bell introduced UniSQ's disciplinary and internationalization strategies, highlighting its strengths and characteristics in materials engineering and regional sustainable development. Ren stated that XJTU has achieved significant results in high-end equipment and materials science, and expressed expectations for both parties to expand and deepen their partnership through various forms of cooperation.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited iHarbour, where they toured the High-end Equipment Research Institute and the State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials.

UniSQ, established in 1967 in Queensland, Australia, is an international institution with approximately 27,000 students, including over 8,000 international students from more than 90 countries, and is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Its research focuses on four major areas: space technology, agriculture and environment, health, and regional development. The university holds significant strengths in materials engineering, astrophysics, and agricultural technology, and maintains deep collaborations with international agencies such as NASA.