Peking University, Mar. 20, 2011: Professor Lesley Johnson, vice president of Australian Academy of the Humanities (AAH), visited Peking University (PKU) with her colleagues on March 14, 2011. Professor Xia Hongwei, director of the Office of International Relations, gave the guests a warm reception at Linhuxuan. Professor Xiao Qun, executive vice director of the Office of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Liu Shusen, vice dean of the School of Foreign Languages, and Professor Zhao Baisheng, director of the Institute of World Literature also attended the meeting.
After a brief introduction on the history and present development of PKU, Professor Xiao Qun talked more about the PKU's rapid development in the social sciences. He pointed out that PKU research and study on social sciences has enjoyed a reputation for excellence both at home and abroad. He continued by saying that, In recent years, PKU has been dedicated to enhancing the connectivity and communication globally, and hoping to contribute more to the harmony and development of the world. Then, Professor Xiao then introduced the Beijing Forum to the guests, and invited the AAH to collaborate with PKU and join in the Beijing Forum in an effort to promote the development of social science in both countries.
Professor Liu Shusen gave a brief introduction to the School of Foreign Languages. He continued by discussing the long-term friendship developed between PKU and the AAH. In recent years, many famous Australian writers and scholars have delivered lectures at PKU, which have proved very popular among students and teachers. He expressed hope for further cooperation with the academy. An expert in Australian literature studies, Professor Zhao Baisheng emphasized that Australian literature has play an important role in world literature. He was looking forward to building a more extensive and tighter relationship with AAH, and hoping for more communication and help in literature study and teaching methods between each other.
Professor Johnson expressed her sincere gratitude towards PKU for the school's effort in building the friendship between the two countries in the field of higher education . She also showed pronounced interest in co-operation over classes and possible exchange projects for teachers and students. Professor Johnson expressed belief that the further co-operation will bring development and progress for the both sides. She voiced her anticipation towards seeing this become a reality.
Background Info:
Australian Academy of the Humanities is a non-for-profit organization incorporated by Royal Charter in 1969. The Academy has more than 500 members, including many experts and scholars in the field of humanities and social sciences. The primary goal of the Academy is to promote the interests of the study of Humanities in Australia.
To learn more about Australian Academy of the Humanities, you can visit its website at
Translated by: Qian Xin
Edited by: Su Juan
Source: Office of International Relations
