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Greater China

MIT and China are very old friends. Our connections date back to the Qing dynasty, when scholars were sent to MIT “to learn modern scientific methods for the benefit of the Chinese government.” These students, dubbed the “Chinese 100,” were part of a greater education movement adopted by China. These scholars came to the Institute in 1876 from as far away as Guangzhou, Xiamen, Macau, and Shanghai. They studied mathematics, mining, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, and launched a partnership that continues more than a century later.

Greater China’s extensive record of discoveries in science and technology, therefore, make it an ideal partner for MIT. And the region’s growing educational investments have created a talent hub that is poised to lead the world in defining new scientific and technological frontiers. To nurture and grow the opportunities between MIT and their Chinese counterparts, President Susan Hockfield launched the MIT Greater China Initiative in 2007. Headed by Professor Victor Zue, the Initiative has outlined a 20-year plan for collaboration with the region, investing in three key areas:

• Internationalizing the MIT curriculum
• Facilitating partnerships and joint research ventures between China and MIT
• Producing high-level, regional field expertise for Chinese and American scientists and engineers

 

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