A high-level delegation from the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL), China, visited the School of Law and Criminology on 24 June 2025. Facilitated and organised by our colleague Dr Jiangyuan Fu, this visit has been of strategic importance to lay the foundation of a collaboration between the two universities, with a view of strengthening the academic ties.
ZUEL is a prominent university directly managed by Ministry of Education of China, with a strong emphasis on legal education. It has been selected as a top-tier institution within China’s strategic plan to develop world-class universities and world-class disciplines. The visiting delegation comprised Prof. Baifeng Chen, Vice President of ZUEL; Prof. Honghong Hu, Dean of Graduate Studies; Prof. Zhuo Hou, Vice Dean of School of Law; and Dr. Jiaxin Liang, Asssociate Professor of International Law. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Head of School (HoS), Prof. Fergus Ryan, Dr Jiangyuan Fu, and Prof. Delia Ferri, in her capacity of Director of the PhD Programme in Law.
This visit builds upon Maynooth University’s expanding relationships with leading Chinese universities, which already include joint programmes and student exchanges with institutions such as Fuzhou University. Maynooth’s commitment to internationalisation was recently underscored by the launch of its China Office in Beijing, aimed at enhancing mobility, recruitment, and transnational education partnerships.
During the visit, both parties explored opportunities for joint research, students and faculty exchanges, and the development of dual-degree programmes. Prof. Ryan emphasized the School’s strategic interest in fostering global academic networks and collaborative research initiatives. Dr Jiangyuan Fu highlighted strategic areas for collaboration in international business law, EU Law, and commercial law. Prof. Ferri indicated that the School actively supports the development of collaborative doctoral degree programmes and highlighted the School’s willingness to further engage with opportunities for PhD students mobility. This will enable PhD students to conduct research, attend seminars, or participate in academic activities at both universities.
During the visit, Prof. Ferri, who is a leading expert on disability rights, was honoured with an invitation as a key note speaker in China. This is a recognition not only of Prof. Ferri’s work, but of the School’s excellence in research and international outlook.
This visit marks an important milestone in the School’s ongoing efforts to build robust international partnerships, particularly with key Chinese institutions. Prof. Ryan expressed optimism about future collaboration, with plans to discuss new agreements in the coming months.