The Institute of Social Sciences hosted colleagues from the School of Public Policy and Administration at Xi’an Jiaotong University. The initial meeting focused on introductions, the exchange of information on the scientific research activities of both institutions, and the presentation of research topics and areas of mutual interest.
The eight-member Chinese delegation was led by Shuzhuo Li, Professor of Population and Social Policy Studies in the School of Public Policy and Administration at the Xi’an Jiaotong University. He is also the Director of the Institute for Population and Development Studies, Director of the Center for Population and Social Policy Research, Co-director of the Center for Aging and Health Research, Co-director of the Shaanxi Migration and Relocation Research Center, Chief Scientist of the Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Social Governance and Social Policy Research, and consulting professor at the Morrison Institute for Population and Resource Studies, Stanford University. Representing the Institute of Social Sciences were Acting Director Dr Marta Sjeničić; Dr Ankica Šobot and Dr Jelena Despić (Centre for Demographic Research); Dr Sofija Nikolić Popadić (Centre for Legal Research); and Dr Jelena Zvezdanović Lobanova (Centre for Economic Research).
The wide range of topics of mutual interest and the strongly interdisciplinary nature of the research were highlighted as a foundation for developing inter-institutional cooperation. Potential avenues for collaboration were identified across the diverse research areas pursued by researchers at the Institute of Social Sciences. It was also noted that the School of Public Policy and Administration at Xi’an Jiaotong University is a leading institution in China in the field of public administration education and research.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing satisfaction with the discussions and strong interest in establishing a formal framework for future cooperation. As a next step, the two institutions plan to sign a Memorandum of International Cooperation, which would provide a basis for strengthening academic exchange, developing joint research activities, and fostering connections among researchers working in areas of mutual interest.
