The University of Nottingham Ningbo China

10/08/2026

https://youtu.be/OUhhuO30wrs

🎙️ Episode 27 is live!

It’s not often we get a genuine rockstar in the lab — but Dr. Richard Frenneaux is the real deal!

In this episode of FHSS Research Uncovered: Beyond the Books Podcast, Richard talks about his new book The Music Industry in the Digital Age, exploring how digital technology has radically changed the way we create, share, and experience music.
From his beginnings as a performer and songwriter to his current role as Assistant Professor at FHSS, Richard offers a unique perspective on practice‑based research and the future of the industry.

📖 Discover the book: The Music Industry in the Digital Age
🎥 Watch Episode 27 now on YouTube!

It’s not often that we get a genuine rockstar joining us in the lab...

10/08/2026

🌞 In the depth of July’s midsummer, a journey of language and discovery unfolded at UNNC.

From July 19 to August 1, nearly 70 high school students joined the sixth annual UNNC Summer School, arriving from across China and countries including Spain, Germany and Russia.

Together, they formed a vibrant, global learning community on our Ningbo campus.

Under the theme “Where AI Shapes Tomorrow’s Mind”, students experienced:
📚 English‑medium courses in academic language
🤖 AI‑infused modules across diverse disciplines
📝 Workshops to strengthen study skills
🎉 Campus activities that built friendships and confidence

From initial unfamiliarity to cross‑cultural collaboration, their two‑week journey was one of growth — in language, knowledge, friendship and future possibilities.

👏 Congratulations to all participants for making Summer School 2026 a truly transformative experience!

06/08/2026

Two UNNC students. One global stage. Outstanding results. 🌍✨

Congratulations to Ziyu Zhuang, who won First Prize, and Chenchao Shao, who received an Honourable Mention at the 33rd International Mathematics Competition (IMC 2026) in Bulgaria!

With over 450 students from top universities worldwide competing — including ETH Zurich, UCL, NTU and Johns Hopkins — their achievements show the power of dedication, teamwork and UNNC’s support.

💡 To prepare, they joined a six‑week training programme at UNNC, strengthening their knowledge and problem‑solving skills before stepping into one of the world’s most prestigious mathematics contests.

Their journey proves that with passion, preparation and opportunity, UNNC students can shine on the global academic stage. 🌟

04/08/2026

From Roman landmarks to African safaris, UNNC students are bringing the world into rural classrooms. This summer, 15 volunteers from Italy, Namibia, India, Indonesia and China joined hands to create bilingual, interactive lessons for children in Ninghai County.

Games, virtual journeys, and cultural exchanges turned learning into adventure — sparking curiosity and confidence in young learners. For the volunteers, it was equally transformative: navigating cross‑cultural teamwork, adapting teaching methods, and discovering the joy of connecting with children beyond textbooks.

Since the programme began, more than 3,500 UNNC students have joined teaching and development initiatives across China and overseas, directly benefiting over 6,000 children in remote communities. 🌱✨

03/08/2026

UNNC students have been on an incredible cultural journey this summer! From Tengchong to Jingning to rural Weinan, they explored some of China’s most beautiful intangible cultural heritage — and learned directly from the people who keep these traditions alive.

In Weinan, student Peng Yufei watched Laoqiang Opera performed by its only female inheritor. “Her voice was gentle at first, but when she started singing, it was incredibly powerful,” she said. Moments like this made the trip unforgettable.

Students tried ancient papermaking, crafted oil‑paper umbrellas, practised She embroidery, and even learned puppetry and shadow play. They harvested tree bark, carved leather with precision, shared meals in She villages, and joined traditional dances — discovering just how much dedication and heart each art form carries.

More than just learning skills, they gained a deeper understanding of why these traditions matter: supporting rural communities, preserving cultural identity, and keeping heritage alive for future generations. Many returned inspired to share Chinese culture with the world.

This programme — now in its 20th year and involving over 3,000 students — helps young people grow through teamwork, communication, and leadership while experiencing China in a truly meaningful way.

30/07/2026

A research team from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) has brought Chinese architectural heritage to a European audience through a major exhibition at the Sofia Chinese Cultural Centre in Bulgaria, demonstrating how digital technologies can support the preservation and international promotion of cultural heritage.

Curated by Professor Jing Xie and his team from UNNC’s Department of Architecture and Built Environment, the exhibition Architecture Without Borders: Chinese Wisdom and the Global Dialogue of Architecture combines high-precision 3D modelling, virtual reality and interactive digital experiences to showcase Ningbo’s distinctive spiral caisson ceilings alongside other significant Chinese heritage buildings. The exhibition highlights how digital innovation is transforming the documentation, preservation and interpretation of traditional architecture for global audiences.

The exhibition is the latest outcome of more than a decade of UNNC research into the digital preservation of ancient Chinese timber architecture. Through extensive fieldwork, collaboration with intangible cultural heritage practitioners and the development of a comprehensive digital archive, the team has established an internationally recognised research programme that bridges architectural heritage, digital technology and cultural exchange.

Running until 31 August 2026, the exhibition provides a platform for dialogue between Eastern and Western architectural traditions while reinforcing UNNC’s growing international reputation for research that combines technological innovation with cultural impact.

29/07/2026

On 21 July, Zhejiang officially released the first‑batch Gaokao admission scores. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) recorded a minimum entry score of 618, ranking second among comprehensive universities in Zhejiang, behind only Zhejiang University. Admission results from regions outside Zhejiang also showed significant improvement.

As of 21 July, all programmes offered by UNNC within Zhejiang have been fully enrolled, with the lowest admission rank at 35,203 – an improvement of 6,904 places compared to last year. Many students who were qualified for China’s top national universities have chosen UNNC.

In other provinces or regions where admission has concluded, notable gains were observed: in Guangdong, the physical sciences stream rose by over 10,000 places, while the history stream rose by more than 4,400. Hebei saw an increase of over 37,000 places in the physical sciences stream, while Jiangsu recorded an improvement of around 16,000. Significant rises were also reported in Fujian, Hubei, Shandong, and Shaanxi, while Henan, Hunan, and Yunnan each saw gains exceeding 10,000 places.

These upward trends reflect the growing recognition of UNNC’s distinctive international education – one that has remained focused and purposeful over its 20+ year history, combining global standards with a student‑centred ethos. They also affirm the university’s broader reputation for delivering outstanding outcomes, with graduates continuing to be highly valued by leading universities and employers worldwide.

In the latest ShanghaiRanking, UNNC ranked second among universities in Zhejiang and 65th nationally, while receiving full marks for the sixth consecutive year in the "Undergraduate Value Enhancement" category.

According to UNNC’s latest Employability Report, among the 2025 undergraduate cohort who pursued further studies, 48% received offers from the world’s top 10 universities and 98% from the top 100. Among those who entered the workforce, 85% joined Fortune Global 500 companies, China’s top 500 enterprises, industry-leading firms, public institutions, or government agencies.

Notably, as the first Sino‑foreign university in China authorised to recommend students for postgraduate admission without entrance examinations, UNNC will soon see its first cohort of students progressing through this pathway to top Chinese universities, including Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University, and Nankai University.

27/07/2026

A University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) PhD student has performed on China Media Group’s flagship television programme Songs from the Heart Dedicated to the Party, showcasing the p**a against the dramatic backdrop of Hukou Waterfall.

Tang Shiyu, who is pursuing a PhD in International Communications, joined a group of young musicians for the nationally televised performance. Already an accomplished performer with appearances on several major television programmes, Tang credits her doctoral studies at UNNC with broadening her artistic vision beyond technical mastery.

Through her research into using contemporary technologies to revitalise cultural heritage and academic exchanges at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Tang has explored new ways of connecting traditional Chinese music with global audiences. Collaborating with international musicians and performing works ranging from Chinese folk music to Les Misérables has reinforced her belief that the p**a is not only a symbol of Chinese culture, but also a powerful medium for cross-cultural dialogue.

“As I complete my PhD, the international perspective and confidence I gained at UNNC will stay with me wherever I perform,” Tang said.

23/07/2026

More than 1,900 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students from around the world celebrated their graduation at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) on 18 and 19 July, marking the successful completion of their studies and the start of their new journeys.

Family members, friends and academic staff gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 as graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees and join the University of Nottingham’s global alumni community.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Xincheng Xie, President of UNNC, encouraged them to become bridge-builders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Reflecting on a generation shaped by rapid technological change and artificial intelligence, he urged graduates to draw on their international outlook, critical thinking and ability to connect people, disciplines and cultures to help shape the future.

Professor Jon Garibaldi, Provost of UNNC and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, highlighted the global capabilities students had developed during their time at the University, while Professor Jane Norman, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, welcomed the Class of 2026 to the University’s worldwide alumni community of more than 350,000 members.

The ceremonies also recognised outstanding contributions to research, education and the student experience through a series of honorary appointments and University awards. Professor Ji Wang, Professor Markus Blut and Mr Hong Lin were appointed Honorary Professors in recognition of their distinguished contributions to their respective fields. Professor Umesh Sharma was awarded the title of Chair Professor for his exceptional academic achievements.

The Class of 2026 leaves UNNC with an impressive record of achievement.
By the end of June, 185 students had voluntarily shared their postgraduate admission results, receiving a total of 220 offers from six of the world’s leading universities: Imperial College London, Stanford University, the University of Oxford, Harvard University, the University of Cambridge and Yale University.

Graduates have also secured opportunities at leading global employers, while others will continue their studies at top universities across China through the postgraduate recommendation scheme. In 2025, UNNC became the first Sino-foreign university in China authorised to recommend outstanding undergraduates for postgraduate study at Chinese universities without taking the national entrance examination.

Reflecting on their time at UNNC, graduates spoke of the University’s international learning environment, supportive community and emphasis on independent thinking, all of which had prepared them to pursue ambitious goals worldwide.

As the Class of 2026 begins the next chapter, they join a global network of Nottingham graduates, equipped with the knowledge, confidence and determination to make a positive impact wherever their journeys take them.

14/07/2026

https://youtu.be/smgkTCJEyZA

The UNNC Class of 2022 has officially completed their four-year journey — and what a journey it’s been.

From their first day on campus to the moment they crossed the graduation stage, they’ve built memories, friendships, and experiences that will stay with them for life.

Join us in celebrating their achievements with this special graduation video.

Congratulations, Class of 2022 — we’re so proud of you!