NYU Shanghai Center for Applied Social and Economic Research(CASER) and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU-FOSS) have formalized a collaborative partnership by signing a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. The MOU aims to deepen the ongoing exchanges and cooperation between the two institutions in urban survey and quantitative research in Chinese cities.

The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. Faculty members at the Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER) at NYU Shanghai and the Social Sciences Research Centre (SSRC) of HKU-FOSS have been actively collaborating on data collection and comparative analysis of Chinese cities. This formal agreement will further enhance their research impact and foster a spirit of friendship and mutual benefits.

One of the key initiatives under this MOU is the invitation of HKU-FOSS to join the “Joint Urban Survey and Intervention Lab” (JUST Lab). The lab, established in 2022 by NYU Shanghai, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and Shanghai University, aims to promote urban survey and quantitative research in Chinese cities, particularly focusing on the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta regions. Another key initiative is on longitudinal data collection and research on child development in Hong Kong and Shanghai. These initiatives are expected to facilitate academic exchange and collaboration, contributing significantly to understanding issues related to education and human development and urban studies in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The MOU outlines a comprehensive scope of collaboration, including opportunities for teaching in summer program, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative research. Specific activities under this MOU will include sharing research data, integrating resources to collect and publish data. Additionally, the agreement aims to provide opportunities for student exchange programs, discuss potential research collaborations and co-publishing opportunities, jointly apply for research grants, and organize academic events such as training programs and seminars.

This partnership between NYU Shanghai and HKU-FOSS, leveraging the strengths and expertise of both institutions, is poised to make significant contributions to fulfilling our center’s mission. The signing of this MOU underscores our commitment to advancing research and academic exchange, ultimately benefiting both institutions and the broader academic community.