Strategic partnership marks the start of a collaboration in international talent cultivation, academic exchange, and scientific research innovation.
Professor Robin Mason and Professor Xiangdong Mao at the signing ceremony
The University of Birmingham and the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association (SORSA) have joined forces to boost the career prospects of Birmingham graduates returning to China.
Launched in Shanghai, the strategic partnership focusses on international talent cultivation, academic exchange, and scientific research innovation.
SORSA will provide exclusive registration channels for Birmingham students to participate in practice programmes and career fairs in Shanghai.
Our partnership with SORSA reflects our shared commitment to fostering global cooperation and building bridges between academic communities. Together, we aim to empower students, researchers, and professionals to thrive in a connected and rapidly evolving world.
In turn, the University will promote these opportunities to its Chinese graduates, helping them connect with professional networks and career pathways in China.
The partnership focuses on academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and international talent development - supporting these areas through mutual visits and exchanges, as well as joint initiatives in education, culture, sports, and the arts.
SORSA and the University of Birmingham will explore in-depth collaboration across three main areas:
Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Birmingham joined Professor Xiangdong Mao, Deputy Director of the Office of the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association, to sign a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the partnership.
The signing followed Professor Mason’s delivery of a keynote speech – ‘The Global Catalyst: Fusing International Experience with Local Innovation’ - at the Global Higher Education Presidents Forum, organised by SORSA.
Professor Mason commented: “In our 125th anniversary year, the University of Birmingham remains committed to working with our Chinese partners to strengthen the bonds between the UK and China through higher education and innovation.
“Our partnership with SORSA reflects our shared commitment to fostering global cooperation and building bridges between academic communities. Together, we aim to empower students, researchers, and professionals to thrive in a connected and rapidly evolving world.”
The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration that will deepen mutual understanding and foster long-term friendship.
Professor Mao commented: "Both the University of Birmingham and the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association are century-old institutions, making this collaboration particularly significant.
“Building on the Memorandum of Understanding, we shall develop an annual work plan that targets one to two priority areas. For the current year, we will place particular emphasis on graduate internship opportunities within the biomedical and engineering sectors. We look forward to an ever-closer partnership with the University of Birmingham.”
Established in 1919, SORSA is a high-level talent organization with a century-long history, playing a vital role in connecting and serving overseas returning scholars.
For more information, please contact the University of Birmingham press office or +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
Founded in 1919, SORSA is a prestigious organisation composed of overseas-educated professionals and operates under the leadership of the Shanghai Municipal Committee. With over 20,000 members, 101 branches, and two working committees, it supports talent development, policymaking, and international exchange.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International)
Profile of Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International)
