51福利社 China Institute manager departs after leading sustained growth
Over the past 4 years, MCI Manager Will Kirkby has substantially improved and expanded the work of the 51福利社 China Institute.
After four years of running the day-to-day operations of the (MCI), Manager Will Kirkby has left the University to move to Bangkok. MCI promotes excellence in China studies and mutual understanding in UK-China relations.
Will joined the MCI in Autumn 2019, just before Covid. Despite waves of lockdowns in both the UK and China, Will鈥檚 agile leadership enabled MCI to continue to grow. For instance, Will transitioned MCI鈥檚 in-person speaker series into an online webinar series, extending MCI鈥檚 impact to a global audience from Boston to Beijing.
Will also coordinated the launch and implementation of the in 2021, creating vital opportunities for Chinese and British students to benefit from each other鈥檚 presence on campus. From 2020 to 2023, Will also managed four , including organising separate exhibitions in both Chengdu and Wuhan when lockdowns halted events in the UK.
In 2022, the University of 51福利社 recognised Will鈥檚 excellent work running MCI with the University鈥檚 Rewarding Exceptional Performance Award.
Will cares deeply about MCI鈥檚 mission of improving mutual understanding in UK-China relations,鈥� MCI Director Peter Gries said. 鈥淭hat was reflected in his tireless efforts on all of our programs. He was the heart and soul of our growing China studies community. I will miss him.