[Music]
[Robert Zimmer] Since its inception, the University of Chicago as an institution has intentionally
maintained a global perspective.
[Ka Yee Lee] Our priority is to support faculty research that addresses the most pressing
issues facing society today, such as urbanization, climate change, and energy and environment.
The scope and nature of these challenges can only be addressed by collaborating with the
top scholars around the globe and seeking innovative solutions.
[Dali Yang] In 2008 President Zimmer decided for the university to think hard about the
university's relationship with China.
In the end the decision was an easy one, Beijing has something like 700-thousand college students,
more than 70 colleges and universities. It's truly the mega academic center.
[Juan de Pablo] In the time that the Center in Beijing has been open the University has
built a wide-ranging network of connections between Chicago and China.
These connections are not restricted to academia but include partners in government, medicine and industry.
The Center supports these networks by providing an institutional framework, physical space,
enabling faculty at UChicago to interface with colleagues in all areas of research in China.
[Ka Yee Lee] Through cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue, we help the University community
and those with whom they engage to develop more nuanced and open-minded approaches to
both their academic fields and their own communities.
[Juan de Pablo] Our faculty members’ engagement in China has led to many productive partnerships
that have impacted science and society in both countries.
The sciences are increasingly becoming “question-driven” rather than “discipline-driven.”
In pursuit of answers to big questions, basic research and applied science are part of a single fabric.
The next decade will bring about important changes in how science is pursued.
The University of Chicago is a leader in scientific entrepreneurship,
as well as entrepreneurship education more broadly.
The innovation and entrepreneurship sector in China is exciting, and we look forward
to continuing to partner with our colleagues to learn and support one another
in all of these efforts.
[Bala Srinivasan] Beyond academia the Center has served as a home away from home for our
alumni in china, allowing them to host many events and gatherings and serving as a base
for our staff and leadership to connect and visit with our alumni more easily.
I have found that my own enthusiasm for the University of Chicago's mission of rigorous
inquiry and impact has been echoed with many of them many of the people i've spoken to
in China whether they were previously connected with the university or not.
[Ka Yee Lee] As a result of the success of the Center in Beijing, we grew our presence in Asia
establishing locations and providing faculty and community engagement via the Center in Delhi
and at the Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex |
The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong.
[Dali Yang] When we started with the Center, there are quite a number of schools that had
no ties to China. Today every professional school and the College and every academic
unit at the University of Chicago has significant interests and interactions in China.
[Ka Yee Lee] In the Center’s second decade, I look forward to the expansion of existing
academic collaborations, as well as the formation of new ones as our network continues to grow.
[Robert Zimmer] Over the past 10 years, the Center in Beijing has allowed
the University of Chicago researchers and students to build strong,
enduring ties with their peers in China.
While so much has been achieved, the opportunities offered by the University of Chicago’s deep
relationships in China continue to grow.
The next decade will see our continued commitment to rigorous inquiry with Chinese partners.