A delegation of 18 leaders from higher education institutions in the Chinese city of Tianjin has spent nine weeks at RMIT University.

They were farewelled with certificates of recognition at a ceremony hosted by Professor Colin Fudge, Pro Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice-President.

The delegation exchanged ideas with academics and professional staff and RMIT's senior leaders at forums throughout their stay, which was organised by Guosheng Chen, Head of the Language Discipline and Director of the China-Australia Studies Forum in the School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning.

Professor Fudge congratulated the delegation on its hard work and achievements, in comments endorsed by Stephen Connelly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Development and Vice-President, and Professor Joe Siracusa, Acting Dean of School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning.

Tianjin is Melbourne's sister city. Jane Sharwood represented Melbourne City Council at the farewell ceremony and praised the delegation and RMIT for their initiative.

Professor Zhi Yao, Vice-President of Tianjin Medical University and the delegation leader, thanked RMIT and the city council for its hospitality.

"The success of this program will enhance long-term academic and research collaborations between Chinese and Australian higher education professionals and institutes," he said.

The delegation from Tianjin, along with RMIT staff members.

Source: RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=j8uenstetfnr;STATUS=A