October 17, 2025, The School of Social Development at Tianjin University of Technology (TUT) held a cooperation meeting with the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) on the theme of "Deepening International Cooperation, Jointly Cultivating Outstanding Talent." The meeting focused on discussing a joint international master’s program and a combined master’s-Ph.D. training program, culminating in the official signing of two cooperation agreements. In attendance were Professor Timo Toikko, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at UEF, Professor Chen Honglin, representatives from the international exchange offices, leadership of the School of Social Development, as well as faculty and students.
The meeting began with a warm welcome to Professor Timo Toikko and his delegation. The School of Social Development highlighted UEF’s international perspective and well-established training system in social sciences, particularly in social work. It also noted that the School of Social Development, with over two decades of dedication to social work and sociology, possesses solid foundations for deep collaboration with international institutions, and that both sides share a strong commitment to cultivating high-level talent. Subsequently, representatives from the International Exchange Office introduced the university’s internationalization strategy, emphasizing that TUT will provide full policy and resource support to ensure the effective implementation of the programs.
Dean Xu Limin then elaborated the specific plans for aligning with these international initiatives on the School of Social Development side. Professor Timo Toikko of UEF shared the framework and strengths of their international master’s programs, expressing his hope that the cooperation would enable mutual integration of educational philosophies and sharing of academic resources. The two parties signed the University of Eastern Finland – Tianjin University of Technology Agreement on Joint Master’s-Ph.D. Training in Social Workand the Framework Agreement on the “1+1+1” International MSW Program.
During the open discussion, both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on details regarding the implementation of the “1+1+1” MSW program, selection criteria for the combined master’s-Ph.D. students, the dual-supervisor system, faculty exchanges, and joint research platforms. Clear follow-up communication mechanisms and work plans were established.
The successful meeting and signing of the agreements have not only built a solid bridge for international cooperation between the two universities but will also further elevate the internationalization of talent cultivation at the School of Social Development. This marks a key step forward in the joint training of high-level talent. Moving forward, both institutions will use these two programs as a starting point to continuously expand their collaboration and jointly cultivate outstanding talents in social development with both local practical expertise and a global perspective.
