A delegation from the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, led by Director and Academician Jie Zhang, conducted a three-day visit to University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford to strengthen international academic collaboration and partnerships with top UK institutions. In addition, with support from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University UK Alumni Association, the delegation hosted several meetings with overseas students and scholars in London and Oxford, introducing recent developments in TDLI’s research programs and academic opportunities in physics and astronomy.
The delegation included T. D. Lee Chair Professor Michael Ramsey-Musolf, TDLI Hongwen Distinguished Professor and Deputy Director Jianglai Liu, Tenured Fellow Yosuke Mizuno, Tenure-track Fellow Chi-Ming Yim，Head of Administration Shushu Li, and others.
On October 29, the TDLI delegation visited University College London and met with Physics and Astronomy Department Head Raman Prinja, the Particle Physics Group Head Dave Waters, Vice Dean for International Affairs in the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ofer Lahav, Chair of the Research Strategy Committee Nikos Konstantinidis, and Professors Arijeet Pal and Frank Deppisch. The discussions centered on the two institutions’ research priorities and strategic plans, culminating in consensus on potential areas of collaboration, joint Ph.D. training, and a proposed bilateral seed funding initiative.
On October 31, the TDLI team visited the University of Oxford, where condolences were expressed over the recent passing of Professor Ian Shipsey, former Physics Department Head and member of TDLI’s International Academic Advisory Committee. In meetings with Professors Peter Norreys, Andrew Boothroyd, Daniela Bortoletto, and Yulin Chen, as well as postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, the group explored their respective research fields and projects, deliberating on possible frameworks for collaboration and plans for future bilateral workshops. Guided by Professor Peter Norreys’, the delegation also toured Oxford’s Beecroft Building, observing interdisciplinary integration and stringent environmental engineering controls within the university’s underground experimental facilities.
With support from the UK Alumni Association, TDLI hosted three informational sessions at UCL and Oxford, drawing over 100 participants both online and in person. Jie Zhang introduced TDLI’s academic mission, research environment, and academic opportunities, while Professors Michael Ramsey-Musolf and Yosuke Mizuno shared their research experience and perspectives on life as international scholars in Shanghai, engaging in lively discussions with scholars and students.
This visit has not only deepened collaborative ties between TDLI and UK institutions in physics and astronomy but has also achieved new progress in scientific research and talent acquisition, further enhancing the international reputation and impact of Tsung-Dao Lee Institute.
Author | Yu Zhao
Editor | Wenzhuo Meng