New partnership between Goldsmiths and Hong Kong Polytechnic University
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The prospect of student exchanges and academic collaboration between Goldsmiths and Hong Kong grew closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong PolyU).
Professor Eric Chui and Dr Naomi Thompson joined Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Paul Rowlett and staff from STaCS at the memorandum signing.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Naomi Thompson, Head of Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS) at Goldsmiths, and Professor Eric Chui, Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at Hong Kong PolyU. Professor Chui was joined on his visit to Goldsmiths by Dr Yam Kong, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Social Work programme.
The MoU forms the basis for exploring potential partnerships which could enhance information and knowledge sharing, professional development and the likelihood of reciprocal staff exchanges. The MoU marks a significant milestone for both institutions to establish a closer academic and research partnership, building on existing connections between the departments through the work of Dr Panagiotis Pentaris, Director of Research and Deputy Head of Department, and Dr Carmen Yau, Lecturer in Social Work.
This partnership between Goldsmiths and Hong Kong Polytechnic University marks an exciting step toward global collaboration. Together, we will advance academic exchange, research, and innovation, fostering shared knowledge and enhancing the development of future social workers across borders. It is a meaningful opportunity to strengthen our collective impact.
Dr Panagiotis Pentaris, Director of Research and Deputy Head of Department STaCS
During his visit, Professor Chui met with Goldsmiths Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Paul Rowlett, and delivered a talk on how innovations in education and teaching could be used to help develop tomorrow’s social workers. Goldsmiths Teaching Partners Forum – a panel of key teaching partners and senior social workers – welcomed Dr Yam Kong as part of a global dialogue comparing children’s social welfare in Hong Kong and the UK.
Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Paul Rowlett, Dr Naomi Thompson, Professor Eric Chui and Dr Yam Kong.
Dr Naomi Thompson said, "A conscious and focused period of discussion to garner a deeper understanding of applied social sciences on an academic and societal level in Hong Kong is an incredibly exciting prospect for the department and my colleagues.
"In an increasingly globalised world, social work in London can benefit from forming connections with departments internationally. Over the next two years we are really keen to see what a partnership of this kind could realise to benefit both Goldsmiths and Hong Kong PolyU's staff and students."
Professor Eric Chui said, "The Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is very honoured to forge strong partnerships with the Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS) at Goldsmiths, University of London. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant step towards fostering student and staff exchange, and deepening collaboration, particularly in the field of social science and social work."