Central China Normal University academics visit Newcastle
Newcastle University is delighted to have hosted visits from a range of academics from Central China Normal University, connecting across multiple schools and strengthening a key international partnership.
26 January 2026
Strengthening ties with a key partner
The autumn semester of 2025/26 saw three delegations from Central China Normal University (CCNU) spend time on our Newcastle campus.
These visits reflect the depth of this important relationship. They provided opportunities for academic exchange, professional development, and strategic discussions on future collaboration.
Overseas training programme for talented young teachers
In October, Newcastle welcomed 18 talented young teachers from CCNU for a two-week professional development programme.
CCNU is renowned for teaching excellence, and this initiative supports CCNU’s goal of cultivating “seed teachers” with strong digital and international competencies. This will accelerate educational innovation and global engagement.
This programme was previously hosted by the State University of New York at Oswego and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore
The programme focused on digital teaching technologies and technology-enhanced methodologies. Participants engaged in workshops and seminars led by colleagues across faculties, alongside visits to regional innovation hubs.
Highlights included sessions with the National Innovation Centre for Data on Generative AI and Sunderland Software City on driving digital technology growth. The group also explored the digital skills required by today’s graduates through discussions with local industry and Newcastle faculty.
This study tour is the deepening of academic exchanges, and also an important step for CCNU to promote the international development of teachers and advance the digital transformation of education.
Reconnecting on the future of AI
Alongside the training programme, Newcastle hosted a one-day visit from CCNU Vice President Liu Sannyuya and eight senior colleagues. Their itinerary included meetings with the Schools of:
- Computing
- Business
- Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Psychology
There was also an opportunity to meet the talented young teachers during their programme.
Vice President Liu also met with Newcastle’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Harkness. They continued discussions that began during the 2025 World Digital Education Conference in Wuhan. Professor Harkness had presented on 'Empowering University Educators in the Age of AI.'
Conversations focused on future collaboration, particularly on potential future collaboration with CCNU’s renowned Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Educational partnership in action
The final visit of the year brought together academics from both institutions to explore undergraduate programme development. Colleagues from Newcastle met with counterparts from CCNU’s Schools of:
- Economics and Business Administration
- Data Science and Big Data Technology
- Computer Science
- Psychology
Over two days of workshops were facilitated by Newcastle’s Learning and Teaching Development Service. Participants shared best practice, compared education systems, and discussed student-centred outcomes.
These conversations will continue into 2026, with plans to develop new areas of collaboration.
Looking ahead
Partnership work with CCNU has grown organically across Newcastle University. These recent visits demonstrate the shared purpose and common ground between our institutions. Together, we aim to deliver global education, experiences and research that involve our entire learning communities.
Our partnership with CCNU reflects our commitment to global engagement and innovation in education. These visits have strengthened our academic ties and opened new opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to building on this momentum.
About CCNU
Central China Normal University (CCNU), located in Wuhan, China, is a prestigious institution recognised for its excellence in teacher education, research, and innovation.
With a strong focus on educational development and digital transformation, CCNU is home to leading faculties in Artificial Intelligence in Education, Big Data, and Psychology.
The university plays a key role in shaping educational policy and practice in China and is committed to fostering global partnerships that advance teaching and learning worldwide.