Surrey and Tsinghua sign landmark agreement to collaborate on climate research 

The two universities have signed a memorandum of understanding and will now work together on research and innovation opportunities in climate change – particularly carbon neutrality and energy systems transformation (CNEST). The universities will also explore opening a joint research facility in the near future.  

 The new partnership will host joint conferences and scientific meetings and cooperate in postgraduate education and training programmes on CNEST.  

Following its 110th anniversary, Tsinghua University formally established its Institute for Carbon Neutrality (ICON) in 2022. As one of China's highest-ranking universities, Tsinghua's mission is to help the country achieve its goal of peaking carbon dioxide levels by 2040 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.  

The University of Surrey also launched its own Institute for Sustainability in 2022, demonstrating its commitment to be at the forefront of transdisciplinary sustainability research. The Institute brings together research strengths in diverse but interconnected areas, combining technological solutions with an understanding of wider social contexts. It has multiple research programmes including energy and the environment and sustainable transport and mobility, which are critical to make net zero a reality. It is also committed to SDG 17 (Partnership and Goals), strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development.