UAlberta at the forefront of Sino-Canadian exchange

Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta is among Canada's top 5 research universities. With 170 graduate programs, 200 undergraduate programs and nearly 450 student groups, it is strengthening its ties to China.

"The extent of our relations with China has been tremendous over the years as it covers a wide area of mutual exchange and co-operation," said Indira Samarasekera, the university's president.

In 2005, it established the China Institute at the University of Alberta with an endowment of $33 million from the government of Alberta. "CIUA's mission is to promote strong academic exchange between Chinese universities and our own," said Samarasekera. "It is also focused on policy-relevant research on Chinese energy policy, politics, economics, social issues, culture and Canada-China relations."