Two of the University of Bolton’s top Professors have been sharing their knowledge with students in China.

Professors Jerome Carson (Psychology) and Stephen Hardy (Law) are both internationally renowned experts in their academic arenas and joined a delegation from the University visiting the city of Zhaoqing in Southern China.

It is the capital of Guangdong Province and home to Zhaoqing University, which shares an academic and strategic relationship with the University of Bolton.

Bolton’s delegation was hosted by two of Zhaoqing’s most senior officials, the Vice Mayor, Ms Xuanqun Chen, and Director of Education, Mr Tan Jintian. As well as being two of the City’s most prominent representatives, they are also Alumni of the University of Bolton.

Bolton’s Professors had a busy schedule on arrival, giving their first lectures just hours after landing in China. Overall they each delivered a series of five lectures in six days as well as attending cultural events and ceremonies.

Each lecture was on different aspects of the Professors’ expertise, delivered to audiences ranging from school children to university students.

Professor Carson, who heads Bolton’s Psychology department, even addressed a delegation of civil servants on the issues of wellbeing and mental health. But he was most impressed by the calibre of students at Zhaoqing University.

He said: ‘What struck me most was the passion and dedication of the students. In every lecture I took part in or delivered, the students were ready with questions – sometimes quite brave ones – and were always willing to debate.’

As well as being appointed Diamond Jubilee Professor of Law at Bolton Business School (BBS), Professor Hardy has now also been honoured as Visiting Professor of Comparative Law at Zhaoqing University.

He said: ‘It was an excellent visit. Especially for developing and strengthening, not only academic, but cultural ties between the universities and Zhaoqing and Bolton themselves. Culturally the universities actually have so much in common, which was surprise. Our dedication to education and emphasise on best professional practice seems to be universal.