Welcome to WCU-3
Historically, academic performance, prestige and standing vis-à-vis other institutions have always been amongst the foremost concerns of leading universities and other institutions of higher education. In recent years, a growing acceptance from inside and outside of academia that cutting-edge technologies and innovations originate from and require exceptional centers of research and learning has precipitated the worldwide phenomenon known as the "world-class university". Consequently, more and more universities include the achievement of "word-class" status in their mission and make it an element of their long-term strategic plan. At the same time, a number of national governments are taking specific measures to promote and support the creation of world-class higher education institutions.
It is in the above mentioned context that The 1st International Conference on World-Class Universities (WCU-1) was initiated and organized by the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University in June of 2005. Some 30 university presidents, policy experts and researchers were invited to present their views on international, national and institutional developments relevant to this phenomenon. Subsequently, The 2nd International Conference on World-Class Universities (WCU-2) was convened in November 2007 by the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. About 100 participants from more than 30 countries, including representatives of international organizations, presidents of world-renowned universities and leading scholars on international higher education attended this meeting.
The Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is pleased to announce that The 3rd International Conference on World-Class Universities (WCU-3) will be held from 2 to 4 November 2009 in Shanghai, China [arrival on 1 November and departure on 5 November 2009 is recommended]. The conference will bring together researchers, university leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders from various regions to discuss major developments related directly and indirectly to world-class universities.
