26 June 2025 at 10:30 am
Prime Minister unveils 2025 Tripartite Fund recipients at Fudan University
As part of the Trade Mission to China, Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon visited Fudan University, where he engaged with students and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to academic collaboration.
During his remarks at Fudan University, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2025 New Zealand–China Tripartite Partnership Fund recipients, as well as plans for a second high-level Education Forum to be held during China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE) 2025.
2025 marks 20 years of the New Zealand – China Tripartite Partnership Programme. Photo credit: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
ENZ congratulates the following researchers whose projects exemplify the high-quality research collaboration between our two countries:
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Dr Fiona Ell (University of Auckland): Working with Hangzhou Normal University and Capital Normal University to enhance mathematics and science teacher education through comparative studies and exchanges.
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Dr Sihong Wu (University of Auckland): Partnering with Tongji and Nankai Universities on sustainable production and carbon neutrality in manufacturing joint ventures.
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Dr Yiming Ma (Auckland University of Technology): Collaborating with Chang’an and Yangtze Universities to explore mechanisms behind silent earthquakes.
Dr Fiona Ell said she is looking forward to working with her Chinese research partners to enhance mathematics and science teacher preparation, an important focus for education systems in both New Zealand and China.
“Our study brings together teacher educators from two Chinese universities, and teacher educators at the University of Auckland to exchange ideas and techniques for mathematics and science teacher preparation. The Tripartite grant allows us to visit each other, see teacher education practices in each country and compare policy directions in teacher education,” she said.
This will enhance the understanding and skills of all participants and help us find ways to improve mathematics and science teacher education in both countries,” Dr Ell added.
The Tripartite Fund, managed by ENZ in collaboration with several government agencies, supports strategic research partnerships between one New Zealand and two Chinese universities. The programme celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.
Learn more about the Tripartite Partnership Fund here.
Professor Nic Smith, Vice-Chancellor Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington exchanges a Memorandum of Understanding with Fudan University President, Li JIN. Photo credit: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
Another key part of the event was Victoria University of Wellington renewed an agreement with Fudan University to revitalise the relationship, achieve resumption of student flows, and pursue research cooperation in the areas of public health, bio-tech and climate science.
