April 10–12, 2024 – A delegation from Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) led by President Tang Tao (Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), Vice President Liu Wenbin, Professor Xu Chen (Associate Dean of the School of Nursing and Health) and Associate Professor Huang Huiting, visited the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. During the visit, the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in teaching, research, and joint academic programs, accelerating NCG’s internationalization in nursing education, scientific research, and talent development.
In his opening remarks, President Tang Tao expressed sincere gratitude to the University of Plymouth for the invitation. He highlighted Plymouth’s distinguished achievements in nursing and healthcare, particularly its expertise in Alzheimer’s disease research and clinical practice.
President Tang emphasized:
"This collaboration will drive innovation in nursing education, joint research, and talent cultivation. Through international partnerships, NCG aims to pioneer dual-degree programs and engage students in diverse research projects and practical training, nurturing nursing professionals with both expertise and global vision."
Professor Dafydd Moore, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, commended NCG’s mission to become a top-tier applied university, noting its strengths in interdisciplinary fields such as AI-integrated engineering, business, and medical technology.
Professor Moore stated:
"Our partnership holds immense potential to address societal challenges posed by aging populations. By combining NCG’s applied training excellence with Plymouth’s research leadership, we aim to achieve breakthroughs in dementia prevention, elderly care, and postgraduate curriculum development."
During the visit, the NCG delegation explored Plymouth’s cutting-edge initiatives in nursing practice, health management, Alzheimer’s research, chronic disease management, and community health services. Both parties held in-depth discussions on emerging trends in healthcare and formalized their collaboration through the MoU signing.
This partnership marks a milestone in NCG’s global strategy. The NCG School of Nursing and Health, renowned for its “humanistic focus, practical rigor, foundational strength, and diversified development”, has been designated a Guangdong Provincial Pilot for Comprehensive Educational Reform and a Model Innovation Zone for Nursing Talent Development.
The school has established a robust internship network, partnering with over 10 top-tier hospitals in China, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, to cultivate skilled nursing professionals for Guangdong and beyond.
About the University of Plymouth
Founded in 1862, the University of Plymouth is a globally recognized institution celebrated for its innovative pedagogy and world-class research. It has been honored with the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes in 1994, 2011, and 2020, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
