The University of Gothenburg in Sweden, the rotating chair of the Nordic Center, has recently confirmed the approval of OUC’s application to join the center. 

The center was founded in 1995. Twenty-six renowned universities and research institutes in the five Nordic countries, such as the University of Copenhagen, the University of Helsinki, the University of Iceland, the University of Bergen, the University of Oslo and the University of Stockholm, hold its membership. Its Chinese members include Fudan University, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Ocean University of China. Headquartered at Fudan University in Shanghai, the Center operates under a rotating chairmanship, with the University of Gothenburg serving as the rotating chair and housing the secretariat.

Since its founding, the Nordic Center has become an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Nordic scholars. Its development plan for 2020-2023 lists the Arctic, sustainable development, climate and food security as key areas for collaborative research. The center organises a series of regular academic and research activities every year, including courses of Nordic culture, Swedish courses, courses on Chinese politics and society, academic seminars, thematic lectures, student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, etc. It also funds short-term exchange programs for researchers of doctoral and postdoctoral levels. In addition, the Nordic Center has served as a platform for exchanges between Nordic and Chinese civil societies and individuals. By initiating and (co-)organising various cultural events, its members and partners are able to communicate directly and effectively.

Considering the current international situation and the needs of its development, OUC strives to enhance cooperation and exchanges with science and education institutions in Europe, building on its current platforms for international cooperation. In the face of the new challenges posed by covid-19, the International Office has conducted research on the Nordic Center and had in-depth communication with the University of Bergen and the University of Gothenburg. After more than a year of hard work, OUC has successfully joined the Nordic Center, forging a new multilateral platform of international cooperation with Nordic institutions. These efforts are significant in promoting OUC’s internationalization strategy and raising its reputation in Europe.