China

We collaborate in world-leading research, programmes and projects with our partners in China, ranging from galaxy and black hole studies with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, archaeological studies with the Palace Museum Beijing, joint doctoral programmes in business with Fudan University and to education and research programmes with a range of institutions.

Our Centre for Contemporary Chinese Studies has promoted Chinese Studies and the Chinese language for over 40 years and is firmly established as the regional centre for Chinese Studies in the Northeast of England. The University’s Oriental Museum collection extends to over 10,000 Chinese objects attracting almost 33,000 visitors each year. The partnerships, research collaborations and joint degree programmes Durham developed with a broad range of institutions and partners in China are central to enhancing our global engagement.

In 2020, Durham launched our in-country presence in China, with staff based in Beijing and Shanghai. Our China presence provides a vital connection to our broader community of students, alumni, partners, corporations, governments and funding bodies, and plays an important role in strengthening Durham’s engagement in China. You can contact our China-based team here.

Japan

We are proud of our long-standing academic, research cultural and industrial engagement with Japan. Our academic relationship was initially been developed through many decades of teaching Japanese Studies (formerly as part of East Asian Studies) at Durham. This popular programme offers the opportunity to undertake a year abroad at one of our student exchange partners in Japan including Kyushu, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo universities.

For climate change and disaster risk management to quantum and emerging technologies, our researcher collaborate with a wide range of Japanese institutions to address global challenges. Our scientists are part of a team leading the XRISM mission, a collaboration between the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) and NASA, with significant participation from the European Space Agency. We are also proud members of RENKEI, the Japan-UK Research and Education Network for Knowledge Economy Initiatives, which facilitates research collaboration (particularly in the fields of Climate Change and Health).

Our Oriental Museum houses an extensive collection of Japanese artefacts and maintains a flagship partnership with the National Museum of Japanese History. And with 45 Japanese companies based in the Northeast of England, employing 14,800 people, we work closely with Japanese companies to promote local and regional prosperity. We are delighted to support Nissan with the Nissan Leadership Programme.  Designed to develop their business management competences, it will equip their future leaders with the skills to continue the company’s exceptional performance.

Korea

Our relationship with Korea continues to grow with over 300 Durham alumni based in Korea. We have student exchange agreements with three Korean institutions. Durham and Korean researchers are working together in the areas of semiconductors; space and satellite applications; fusion energy and sustainability. We are proud that our Centre for Foreign Language Study also offers Korean Language Courses.

Our Oriental Museum holds an important Korean collection. Of great significance is the donation from the Right Reverend Richard Rutt, who first travelled to Korea as an Anglican missionary in 1954. Rutt remained in Korea for almost 20 years, serving as Archdeacon of West Seoul from 1965, before becoming Assistant Bishop and then Bishop of the Diocese of Daejeon, an area covering several provinces of South Korea. The Oriental Museum also works closely with the National Museum of Korea.

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