PolyU and the University of Oxford forge strategic partnerships to advance global research and academic collaboration
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the University of Oxford signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the University of Oxford on 23 July to foster pioneering academic and research collaboration. The MoU was signed by Prof. LI Xiangdong, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology at PolyU, and Prof. Michael OBERSTEINER, Director of the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), Professor of Global Change and Sustainability at the University of Oxford and Editor of Nexus.
This strategic partnership is designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both institutions across multiple critical fields, including urban systems, energy and environment, public health, climate resilience, artificial intelligence and data science, as well as policy and governance.
Prof. Li Xiangdong said, “We are delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with the University of Oxford. PolyU is committed to addressing pressing global challenges across critical fields through cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. By combining our strengths with ECI at the University of Oxford, this collaboration will foster pioneering research and create impactful solutions for global challenges. We look forward to deepening our academic exchanges and driving meaningful advancements in sustainable development and international scholarship.”
Prof. Michael Obersteiner said, “This MoU creates an exciting opportunity for the University of Oxford and PolyU to bring together our complementary strengths and perspectives in addressing some of the most complex and interconnected challenges of our time. This partnership gives us a valuable framework for developing new ideas, learning from one another and building genuinely collaborative research across our two universities. I am very much looking forward to taking this work forward together.”
The collaboration will encompass joint research initiatives, staff and student exchanges and visits, joint academic events such as seminars and workshops, the sharing of open-access publications, and the development of joint funding applications. This alliance underscores both universities’ dedication to tackling complex global challenges through interdisciplinary research and international academic excellence.
The signing ceremony took place following the international conference, Nexus Forum 2026, held at the University of Oxford from 19 to 22 July. Co-organised by PolyU and Cell Press, the Forum was co-chaired by Prof. Jerry Yan, Chair Professor of Energy and Buildings at the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, and Editor-in-Chief of Nexus, and Prof. Michael Obersteiner.
Themed “Unity in Diversity: Interdisciplinary Perspectives for a Sustainable Future”, the Forum brought together numerous global scholars to address critical challenges in sustainability, climate resilience, and integrated systems.
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