An escalating collaboration between the University of the Free State (UFS) and the
Northeast Normal University (NENU) in Changchun, China, is setting the stage for significant joint research and educational exchange, particularly in the fields of zoology and entomology.
The initial connection was solidified through a Chinese Foreign Expert Grant awarded to internationally recognised bat expert, Prof Tinglei Jiang of NENU, who is collaborating with the UFS' Prof Peter Taylor.
Successful May visit ignites collaboration between UFS and NENU
In May 2025, a significant step was taken to forge a stronger academic and research partnership between the University of the Free State (UFS) and Northeast Normal University (NENU) in China. Prof Taylor, accompanied by UFS MSc student Khia van der Meulen from the Department of Zoology and Entomology on the Qwaqwa Campus, completed a highly successful inaugural visit to NENU.
The visit served to immediately deepen academic exchange and lay crucial groundwork for future joint research endeavours.
Enriching academic exchange
During the trip, Prof Taylor shared his expertise by delivering a series of insightful lectures on small mammal ecology to NENU students and staff. This academic exchange fostered direct intellectual dialogue, offering NENU attendees’ new perspectives and knowledge while strengthening the bonds between the departments.
Planning a landmark joint funding proposal
Perhaps the most tangible outcome of the visit was the detailed planning for a major joint bilateral funding proposal. Fruitful discussions on shared research opportunities culminated in the decision to submit a collaborative proposal to two significant national funding bodies – the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in China. Securing this funding would provide the necessary resources to launch ambitious joint research projects, further solidifying the collaboration.
Silk Road Scholarship beckons UFS student
The partnership yielded a major opportunity for UFS postgraduate development: Prof Jiang offered to host Khia van der Meulen as a PhD student registered at NENU under the prestigious Chinese Government Silk Road Scholarship.
This exciting prospect will see her co-supervised by the UFS' Prof Taylor and Prof Aliza le Roux. Van der Meulen, who has already submitted her MSc thesis, is preparing to apply for the scholarship in March – an opportunity that will further cement the continuing collaboration between the two institutions.
Second trip delivers intensive lectures and mentorship
In November 2025, Prof Taylor undertook a second trip to NENU, this time accompanied by Prof Aliza le Roux from the Department of Zoology and Entomology on the Qwaqwa Campus.
Together, the professors delivered an intensive series of eight lectures to international students and members of Prof Jiang's research group. Their topics ranged widely, covering ‘Animal behaviour and ecology’, ‘Behavioural methods’, and ‘The evolution and conservation of bats’.
They also provided direct assistance to individual postgraduate students with their projects and attended the presentation of the annual student progress report, hosted by Prof Jiang's group.
Trust and shared passion drive success
The visitors were highly impressed with the international quality of research and postgraduate training at NENU.
"Meaningful collaboration is grounded in developing personal relationships, trust, and shared passion for topics of mutual interest," noted Prof Taylor. The exchange between the UFS and Prof Jiang’s lab achieved this rapidly, with both groups sharing a mutual passion for using new technologies to research bat ecosystem services, behaviour, and conservation biology.
This shared drive is already translating into hard results. Since March, Profs Taylor, Jiang, and their colleagues have already published three papers together in Quartile 1 journals, with more planned for the near future.
Prof Jiang to visit South Africa
The exchange continues on South African soil, as Prof Jiang is scheduled to visit South Africa in May 2026 through a project funded by a mutual colleague. The UFS team hopes to host him on both the Bloemfontein Campus and the Qwaqwa Campus. “Given the gracious welcome and red-carpet treatment we received in China, it will be a hard act to follow!" commented Prof Taylor, pointing out the warmth and enthusiasm that has characterised this promising new partnership.