The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), in collaboration with the Chinese Society of Educational Development Strategy, hosted a High School Principals Forum on 10 April titled “Anchoring the 15th Five-Year Plan: Advancing Education Excellence and Cultivating Top Innovative Talent through Integration.” The event brought together leading experts, educators and policymakers to explore new approaches to nurturing top innovative talent, with a particular focus on strengthening pathways between secondary and higher education in the age of artificial intelligence.
In his opening remarks, UNNC President and Chinese Academy of Sciences academician Xie Xincheng highlighted the need for education to move beyond knowledge transmission towards nurturing critical thinking, adaptability and global outlooks. He outlined the University’s distinctive “small-scale, high-quality, internationalised” model, which combines discussion-based English-medium teaching, interdisciplinary learning and early research engagement to prepare students for the challenges of an AI-driven future.
Speakers including Li Zhimin, Chen Zhiwen and Wu Guoping emphasised that developing top innovative talent is central to building a leading education system and achieving technological self-reliance. They called for sustained reforms in talent development pathways, assessment systems and subject integration, alongside stronger support for STEM education and closer collaboration between schools and universities.
UNNC representatives also showcased the University’s integrated education model linking secondary and higher education, as well as its strong global partnerships and research networks. With collaborations spanning over 120 countries and more than 4,000 organisations, and a track record of graduate success worldwide, the University continues to demonstrate its strength in nurturing globally competitive talent.
The forum also featured exhibitions of collaborative education initiatives and student innovation projects, with attendees touring key campus facilities. The event underscored UNNC’s commitment to advancing educational innovation and international collaboration, as it continues to contribute to the development of future-ready talent and a world-class education system.
Published on 10 April 2026