The Scottish Government is to allocate £600,000 during the next two years to support a new post-graduate scheme designed to improve education links between Scotland and China for the economic benefit of both nations.

The move follows an announcement by the Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop during her April visit to China, that both countries had agreed to create a new university research programme which would aim to:

• Build partnerships between research teams in both countries, based on areas of mutual strength and interest including renewable energy, life sciences, public health, financial services and engineering
• Encourage research teams and PhD students to undertake exchange programmes which will develop students' skills and support an exchange of knowledge for the benefit of the universities, businesses and economies of both countries

Today's funding will enable the programme to operate in universities in Scotland and China during the next two academic years. The Chinese have indicated that they would be interested in the possibility of replicating this innovative approach in other areas the future.

Ms Hyslop said:

"In April, I announced that the Scottish Government and Ministry of Education in China had agreed to establish a PhD research partnership programme between our universities - a scheme which I believe will bring real educational, cultural and economic benefits for both our nations.

"Today I'm delighted to be able to announce that the Scottish Government will be allocating #300,000 a year for the next two years to support this scheme. This funding will support collaborative research in key sectors of our economies from renewables and life sciences to the development of new technology for agriculture and engineering.

"It will also help us to continue to strengthen the research base in Scotland's universities, enabling students, institutions and industry continue to develop the knowledge they need to compete in today's ever-changing and highly competitive markets and that they are fully geared up for Scotland's economic recovery when the time comes."

David Caldwell, Director of Universities Scotland, said:

"Partnerships with countries and universities throughout the world are an important element of the activity of Scottish universities. It allows the sector to enhance its global reputation for quality and excellence and allows the sharing of knowledge and expertise with staff and students based overseas.

"This scheme will pave the way for a unique partnership between Scotland and China that will not only bring economic benefits but strong cultural ties. This agreement builds on the existing activity in the region that has been developed over many years.

"The joint research programme is dealing with issues that have international significance and this collaborative approach will undoubtedly advance the knowledge and expertise in these areas."

Journalists who would like photographs of Ms Hyslop with the new Vice Minister for Education in China, Hao Ping, who she met during her visit in April, should contact the number below.

On April 7 2008, the Vice Minister for Education in China, Wu Qidi, and Ms Hyslop signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing on behalf of the Chinese and Scottish Government. Through this 'joint statement' both countries agreed to work together in the fields of school education, vocational education and skills, and higher education.

When signing the agreement, the Scottish Government agreed to continue providing funding for Chinese Masters students to study in Scotland. Both parties agreed they were keen to support research collaboration between academics and would commit funding towards Sino-Scottish scholarships for PhD studies. The British Council was commissioned to design the programme in discussion with both governments.

In April this year, both countries agreed to support partnerships in the following sectors:

• Energy, resources and the environment - particularly clean and renewable energy
• Life sciences and public health
• Financial services
• Technology, including telecommunication and information technology and new technology in agriculture
• Engineering, geosciences and material science
• Applied social science

In Scotland, applications will be considered from all institutions and research teams which are strong in research in the above areas. Individuals or research teams who are interested in the research partnerships should contact:

scholarships.beijing@britishcouncil.org.cn