The University of Nottingham’s School of Contemporary Chinese Studies has awarded its first honorary professorship to Professor Xuexian (Grace) Wu, a well-known writer and professor at the South University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China.
Professor Wu worked as the Editor-in-Chief of the China Higher Education Press before she served as a researcher for China Resources (Holdings) Limited. She has published numerous academic articles in Chinese and English.
Outstanding achievement in Chinese and English literature
The award was made in recognition of Professor Wu’s outstanding achievements in the field of Chinese & English literature and her special contribution to the research on the history of China Resources Company (Holdings) Limited, the first company of the Chinese Communist Party.
Professor Wu’s book entitled ‘A History of the China Resources Corporation’ (published 2010), was the result of her six-year research work demonstrating the forty-five year history from the initial establishment in Hong Kong in 1938 to 1983 when it was incorporated as a holding company.
The impact of Professor Wu’s research was far reaching, not only because it was the first piece of research of its kind, but also because the China Resources Company has played a key role in the recent economic development of China. The company operates in a diverse range of areas, including energy, cement manufacture and property development.
Giving something back
Professor Wu’s links with The University of Nottingham date back to 1993 when she was a visiting scholar studying and working in the School of Education. Earlier this year, she gave a themed talk on ‘Gratitude and Giving back’ in the University’s Si Yuan Centre. The talk was based on the memoir of her experiences of living and studying at the University of Nottingham. She also donated £1000 to the University’s Life Cycle 3 to support Stroke Rehabilitation Research.
Speaking about the award, Professor Wu said: “I feel very honoured to have received the honorary professorship from The School of Contemporary Chinese Studies. I have always enjoyed working with colleagues at The University of Nottingham, and look forward to collaborating with them in the future on research and commercial projects of mutual benefit to both of our universities.”
The head of School of Contemporary Chinese Studies, Professor Shujie Yao commented: “I am delighted that Professor Wu is receiving this award. She will further enhance the research profile of the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies and will help to expand Nottingham University’s research links with universities in China.”
Strengthening our ties with China
The Honorary Professorship Certificate was presented to Professor Wu by The University of Nottingham’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Rudd, who added: “Grace Wu will definitely help to further strengthen our ties with China. She will continue to be very valuable for our research collaborations with Chinese universities and in our on-going work with many Chinese companies.”
For more information about The University of Nottingham’s School of Contemporary Studies, visit http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chinese
To find out about the University’s work with businesses in China and Asia, contact the Asia Business Centre AsiaBusiness@nottingham.ac.uk
Ends
For more information about this press release, contact Nick King, Marketing Projects Manager, Business Engagement and Innovation Services, The University of Nottingham. Tel: 0115 82 32184, or email nicholas.king@nottingham.ac.uk
Photo shows, left to right: Dr Xiaolin Meng, Associate Professor University of Nottm (UoN); Professor Shujie Yao, Head of Contemporary Chinese Studies UoN; Professor Grace Wu (receiving award) and Professor Chris Rudd, Pro-Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, UoN
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