Duke, Wuhan universities set up research institute

Duke University of the US and Wuhan University jointly set up a research institute on Monday at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) in Kunshan, Jiangsu province.

The WHU-Duke Research Institute at DKU, which is also a joint venture by the two universities, aims to be a platform attracting faculty and students from all three educational institutions as well as scholars worldwide to collaborate on research projects of common interest.

Initially focusing on research in the physical sciences and engineering, the institute will also facilitate research on issues concerning China’s development and economic transformation, contemporary Chinese thought and culture, and higher education internationalization.

Those from Wuhan and Duke have realized their interests in working together since the two universities signed their first agreement in 2001, Duke University president Richard Brodhead said.

DKU now provides a integral platform for further partnership between the US and Chinese institutions, Brodhead said.

Wuhan University president Li Xiaohong said establishing a research institute at DKU is crucial for developing its research capabilities.

"As far as I am concerned, other Sino-foreign joint venture universities haven't established such a research institute," Li said.

"By bringing experts in the fields of business, health and other areas together to conduct research, we hope to develop DKU's research capabilities…and to develop the WHU-Duke Research Institute into a world-class institution."