Uni’s new links with China are a real measure of success

and met its director and professor of precision metrology, Dame Xiangqian Jiang.

Prof Jiang has a global reputation in metrology and is renowned for her contribution to British-based engineering and advanced manufacturing.

The Memorandum of Understanding lays a grounding for future international co-operation in scientific research and exchange programmes for students and teachers at the two institutions in the field of metrology.

Prof Cryan and pro-vice chancellor international Prof Dave Taylor also plan to visit in the near future.

Pro Xi said: “The Future Metrology Hub is a leading research centre in metrology whose expertise is well recognised in academia and industry.

“Shanghai Jiao Tong University, with its strengths in engineering, is looking forward to complementing research interests and strengths with the University of Huddersfield’s Future Metrology Hub to build a world-class metrology centre in Shanghai to serve the manufacturing industry in China and UK.”

The 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities, ranks SJTU 29th in the world for engineering whilst also being one of China’s top research-oriented institutions .

Simon McKenna, director of operations at the Future Metrology Hub, said the visit was a great success and there was plenty of scope for further collaboration between the two universities.

He said: “The SJTU team share many of our research interests and goals around smart and digital manufacturing and like us are committed to turning high quality research into practical industrial applications.

“We talked about a number of opportunities to work together in the future and will be developing these plans over the coming months.” ENBY Dale-based businesswoman Jo Haigh has named Institute of Directors Yorkshire & North East Non-Exec Director of the Year.

Jo, who is chief executive of fds, a corporate finance boutique with bases in Wakefield, London and Birmingham, was recognised for her “hard work and dedication” over the last 28 years of supporting SMEs to improve their board performance, strategic direction and practice good corporate governance.

The IoD Yorkshire & North East Awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s most hardworking and innovative business leaders. They recognise individuals who have displayed the highest standards of leadership in business, public and third sectors and aim to raise awareness of the significant contribution business leaders can make to society and to economic prosperity in our region.

Jo said the was overwhelmed to win the regional award, adding: “As with everything, no award is a solo achievement.

“My amazing team and great clients are the ones who provide me with the support and the opportunities to achieve.”

Winner of the Yorkshire & North East Awards go forward to the national finals to be held on October 16 in London.