On October 4, Tiejun Ma, Director of Artificial Intelligence Applications Institute (AIAI) and Chair Professor of Financial Computing at the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, participated in an online exchange with Sha Yezhou, Deputy Dean of the School of Statistics and Data Science (hereafter the School), at the invitation of CUEB’s Innovation and Talent Base for Fin-Tech and Financial Econometrics. Both parties introduced their development histories, leading disciplines, and the operation of Sino-foreign cooperative education programs.

The University of Edinburgh, established in 1583, is recognized as one of the world’s leading research universities, holding the 34th position in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Established in 1983, AIAI has achieved significant accomplishments in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and reasoning. The two parties discussed research collaboration in statistics, AI, and financial mathematics; proposed joint graduate training programs; and explored developing integrated undergraduate-to-graduate degree programs through international cooperative education.

On October 6, the School invited Lu Qiao, Head of the Graduate Program at Leeds University Business School, and Suyang Li, Head of the Undergraduate Program in Finance at Swansea University, for an academic exchange. The guest speakers introduced their respective programs, and outlined their development and cooperative training models. The School briefed the British counterparts on current program operations and expressed interest in establishing cooperative education institutions at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Both parties will continue discussions at the 23rd Conference on International Exchange of Professionals (CIEP), from October 20th to 21st. The University of Leeds, founded in 1904, is known for international collaborations, research impact, and teaching quality. It is ranked 86th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, while also maintaining a consistent position in the UK’s top 15. Swansea University, founded in 1920, has demonstrating a notable rise, securing the 292nd position in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. Its undergraduate finance program is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) institute, and Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA), aligning with industry standards and emphasizing practical skills development.

It is reported that representatives from the University of Alberta would visit CUEB in the coming days at the invitation of International Cooperation and Exchange Department. The Canadian delegation will focus on further discussions with the School regarding the Sino-foreign cooperative education program in statistics. Established in 1908, the University of Alberta ranks among Canada’s top universities, holding the 94th place in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. It also ranks within the top 50 for “Most International Universities in the World 2026,” reflecting its diverse international students and faculty alongside extensive global research collaborations.

The School of Statistics and Data Science will continue leveraging its strengths in international collaboration. By jointly conducting teaching and research activities with leading global universities and facilitating reciprocal visits, the School aims to cultivate dynamic, globally-minded statistical professionals while maximizing its disciplinary advantages and professional features.