From December 9 to 11, 2026, Han Xu, Party Committee Secretary of Hebei University of Technology (HEBUT), led a delegation to the University of Liverpool (UOL) for a friendly visit, engaging in in-depth discussions on academic exchanges, research collaboration, and talent cultivation, aiming to advance inter-university cooperation to a higher level.

During the visit, Secretary Han Xu and the delegation held a series of thematic meetings with President Tim Jones, Vice-President Peter McCormick, as well as the heads of the Department of Computer Science and Information Studies, the School of Engineering, the School of Physical Sciences (Chemistry), and the International Office from UOL.

In the talks with university leadership, Secretary Han Xu introduced HEBUT's achievements in discipline development, scientific innovation, and internationalisation, sharing the university's successful experiences in international cooperation and its future development plans. He stated that the University of Liverpool, as a world-leading research institution, has made outstanding accomplishments in multiple disciplines such as engineering and medicine. The two universities share compatible educational philosophies and complementary disciplinary strengths, providing a solid foundation for collaboration. President Tim Jones warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed strong willingness to engage in substantive cooperation with HEBUT, pledging to accelerate progress in educational partnerships and achieve collaborative outcomes in a near future. Subsequently, Secretary Han Xu and President Tim Jones jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the HEBUT and UOL, turning into a new chapter of mutually beneficial development for both universities.

During the meetings, both universities fully exchanged views on topics including student and faculty exchanges, joint educational programmes, and collaborative research, reaching consensus in multiple areas of cooperation.