Berkeley Engineering in Shanghai – FAQ
Questions and answers on agreement between UC Berkeley College of Engineering and Shanghai Zhangjiang Group Co., Ltd.
What is the new partnership?
UC Berkeley and the College of Engineering will partner with the Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, one of China’s top high-technology parks, to develop a platform for expanding industrial and academic research collaborations in Asia and foster global learning opportunities for its students.
What areas of research will be explored in this collaboration?
This new platform will touch on a wide range of research, beginning with areas such as information and communications technology, green energy technology, translational medicine, and biotechnology.
Why is UC Berkeley pursuing this collaboration?
Through this partnership with Zhangjiang, UC Berkeley will not only increase its global research collaborations, but also expand opportunities for Berkeley Engineering students to study abroad and acquire global industry experience. The Zhangjiang program will expose Berkeley Engineering students to a broad set of technology and global marketplace challenges beyond the realm of Silicon Valley.
What new academic programs for UC Berkeley students are being considered as part of this partnership?
The College of Engineering is assessing the feasibility of expanding its new Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree program to include a part-time option for Berkeley-based students interested in studying in China, and for China-based students to study in Berkeley.
A key feature of the M.Eng. curriculum is the integrative capstone project, which gives students experience in applying their knowledge and skills to solve problems taken from industry.
Will this be housed in a new building in Shanghai?
This partnership is the first step toward establishing a Berkeley Engineering academic center in Shanghai to expand collaborative innovations in research. Under the terms of the partnership, Zhangjiang will grant and provide rental-free building facilities of approximately 50,000 square feet gradually for the first five years.
Is UC Berkeley using its funds to build a new facility?
Under the terms of the partnership, funds for the facilities to be used in Shanghai will come from the Shanghai government and universities and corporations operating there.
How will intellectual property developed as part of this collaboration be affected?
Intellectual property will be governed by agreements developed between the university and research sponsors. The partnership does not limit the university’s right to negotiate intellectual property rights. All U.S. Export Control Laws will be adhered to.
Are other campus units involved in this partnership?
Only the College of Engineering is involved currently. Other campus units may initiate their own agreements at a later stage.
How can prospective and current students get involved?
As internship, research, and educational programs are approved, information about them will be made available on the College of Engineering GLOBE website.