CUHK and Exeter launch new split-site PhD programme

Prof. Mai Har Sham (left) and Prof. Richard Follett (right) sign the agreement for the CUHK-Exeter Split-Site PhD Programme.

CUHK and the University of Exeter (Exeter) have launched a Split-Site PhD Programme which will allow PhD students to be co-supervised by faculty members from both institutions. An agreement was recently signed by Prof. Mai Har Sham, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) of CUHK, and Prof. Richard Follett, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) of Exeter, during the Worldwide Universities Network Annual General Meeting in Pretoria. The programme will initially support students working under the CUHK-University of Exeter Joint Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (ENSURE).

CUHK and Exeter are strategic partners for deep collaboration in teaching and research. In 2018, the universities jointly established the HK$20m ENSURE to embark on large, impactful collaborations to address emerging issues related to global environmental change. ENSURE has brought together international, interdisciplinary teams to tackle issues such as global food security, coastal ecosystems, air pollution, climate change, forest management, energy, and plant science. In its second five-year plan, ENSURE aims to expand research, public engagement, and policy advocacy, and nurture the next generation of researchers to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

ENSURE was established in 2018 to embark on large, impactful collaborations to address emerging issues related to global environmental change.

The new Split-Site PhD Programme will enable PhD students from each university to spend up to 12 months at the partner institution under a co-supervision arrangement. Detailed information of the programme, including funding support and application processes will be announced soon, with recruitment starting this year for a September 2025 intake.

Studentship projects will be selected through an open call for joint proposals from faculty at Exeter and CUHK, focusing on areas of complementary expertise. These students shall support new ENSURE Grand Challenge research initiatives funded by a separate grant scheme.