China Ministry of Education has recently launched the Regulation of Establishment and Administration for International Joint Laboratories of Higher Institutions (hereinafter refers to as the Regulation). The regulation will promote more concrete partnerships of domestic institutions with top ranking oversea institutions, build up collaborative platform on teaching and research, jointly push higher level of scientific research more steps forward, as well as better construct the establishment and verification of International Joint Laboratories of Higher Institutions (hereinafter refers to as Joint Laboratories).

Joint Laboratories which will be co-managed by both Chinese and foreign higher institutions, are the important basement for which developing significant original research in accordance with national demands and the development of frontier disciplines, cultivating and attracting top talents with leadership and innovative teams, furthermore boosting higher level of International cooperation. The regulation has listed three different models referring to the establishment of the Joint Laboratories, including internationally cooperated joint research centre, internationally cooperated joint laboratory, and internationally cooperated joint laboratories established by Chinese provinces and ministries.

Both Chinese and Oversea Institutions are required to make practical contributions to Joint Laboratories, therefore a cooperation agreement that clearly clarifies the responsibilities and obligations should be signed by legal persons from both sides. Chinese institutions should well use their local advantages and bring up their outstanding courses with the backup of various platforms such as national key laboratories, MoE key laboratories and talent-accumulating bases. As for Foreign institutions, they are expected to have world-class research level in relevant fields with supports from relevant laboratories, research institutes/centres, or research focused departments.
The Ministry of Education will provide sustainable and stable financial support to verified Joint Laboratories.

The regulation provides a practical guideline for UK universities who are interested in seeking in-depth collaboration with Chinese higher institutions.