British Academy signs new Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences

On 21 November the British Academy reinvigorated its longstanding relationship with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the two academies. The signing ceremony, in London, involved the British Academy's Foreign Secretary, Professor Dame Helen Wallace, and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences' Party Secretary Professor Pan Shiwei, who was visiting the UK for the first time.

The new agreement will see the two academies collaborate on policy development across a range of important areas, as well as providing joint support to innovative research projects between UK and SASS scholars.

Professor Dame Helen Wallace, Foreign Secretary of the British Academy said: "The British Academy and the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences have enjoyed longstanding relations and I am delighted that we are now embarking on the next phase of our partnership. Collaboration between the UK and China in the humanities and social sciences is vital in an era of important and pressing global".

Professor Pan Shiwei also gave a timely talk at the Academy on "China's New Starting Point for Further Reform", focusing on the Third Plenum of China’s 18th Central Committee and outlined areas and features for economic and social reform.