A delegation of Australia’s university leaders will travel to China this week to renew partnerships in education, research, and innovation — marking one of the most significant higher education missions in recent years.
Led by Universities Australia Chair Professor Carolyn Evans and Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy, the delegation will visit Shenzhen and Beijing to strengthen cooperation in areas critical to both nations, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and technology.
A key highlight of the mission will be the inaugural Australia–China Leaders Dialogue, held alongside the renewal of the Universities Australia–China Education Association for International Exchange Memorandum of Understanding, which formalises the next phase of sector-to-sector collaboration.
“Education has long been one of the strongest and most stable bridges between Australia and China,” Professor Evans said. “After years of disruption caused by the pandemic and broader geopolitical issues, this visit marks the start of a new era — one focused on innovation, collaboration, and solving shared challenges.”
The delegation will include Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and senior university leaders from across Australia, representing the breadth and diversity of the nation’s higher education system.
Strengthening global cooperation
Mr Sheehy said the visit comes at an important time, as both nations look to build the skills, technologies, and partnerships that will define the next decade and beyond.
“China is one of Australia’s most important partners in education, research, and innovation,” he said. “Engagement of this kind is essential — it’s how we ensure Australia’s universities remain globally connected, informed, and competitive. Responsible international collaboration strengthens our national capability, drives economic opportunity, and helps us manage shared risks in an increasingly complex world.”
Deepening research and industry links
The visit will include engagements with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and leading companies such as Mindray, BYD, and Alibaba — reflecting the growing intersection of education, research, and industry.
Professor Evans will also deliver a keynote address at the China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education in Beijing on 30 October, joining global education leaders to discuss the future of international collaboration and innovation.
Running from 27–31 October 2025, the five-day mission marks a renewed commitment to collaboration between Australia and China — one built on shared innovation, mutual respect, and the continued pursuit of knowledge.
Delegation members include:
Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice-Chancellor and President, Griffith University
Professor Deborah Terry AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of Queensland
Professor Renée Leon PSM, Vice-Chancellor and President, Charles Sturt University
Professor Andrew Deeks, Vice-Chancellor and President, Murdoch University
Professor Max Lu AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Wollongong
Professor Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation), La Trobe University
Ms Sunny Yang, Vice-President (International Engagement), Monash University
Professor Karen Hapgood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Swinburne University of Technology
Mr Rongyu Li, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Engagement), The University of Queensland
Dr Yik Teo, Director, Global Partnerships, Academic Division, University of Newcastle
Dr Shane Griffin, Associate Vice-President, Sydney Future Students, The University of Sydney
Mr Luke Sheehy, CEO, Universities Australia
Dr Angela Lehmann, Senior Director Global Engagement and Policy, Universities Australia
Ms Jessica Ronan, Senior Advisor: Global Engagement, Universities Australia
