CIFTIS as a Platform for Global Collaboration
From 10 to 14 September 2025, Adelaide University will be part of Australia’s largest‑ever service delegation at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
As a flagship event attracting over 150 countries, CIFTIS offers a unique stage for the university to showcase its world‑class research, teaching excellence and commitment to international partnerships. The delegation’s presence reaffirms Adelaide University’s role as the successor to the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, combining their heritages into a single institution that will open its doors on 1 January 2026.
Key messages highlighted by the university include:
- Delivering future‑making, nation‑critical research that is globally relevant.
- Strengthening ties with China in fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare and green technology.
- Showcasing the university’s top‑ranked programs, especially in agriculture, viticulture and sustainable energy.
For students and researchers who want to follow the university’s path of international engagement, the fair represents a real‑world learning opportunity. Explore Adelaide University’s research programs and consider how a partnership with China could fit into your career plans.
Advancing Wine Research through the Treasury Wine Estates Agreement
One of the highlights of CIFTIS is the formalisation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Adelaide University and Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). This partnership aims to:
- Develop the next generation of winemakers and wine professionals.
- Establish industry placements and co‑supervised PhD student projects.
- Leverage expertise from the university’s Waite campus, where 70 % of Australia’s wine R&D is conducted.
TWE, a global leader in premium winemaking with brands like Penfolds and Treasury Collectives, has an active exchange programme that allows Chinese and Australian early‑career winemakers to experience vintage production in each other’s regions. The new MOU will deepen that collaboration, opening doors for joint research, shared facilities and market expansion.
Students studying viticulture or oenology can take advantage of this connection by enrolling in research projects that benefit from industry resources and real‑world exposure. Learn more about student pathways at Adelaide University and how they can incorporate practical experience into a degree.
Sustainability and Green Economy Focus
In line with the Australian government’s green economy agenda, Adelaide University is steering its research and teaching toward sustainability. Highlights include:
- A focus on renewable energy optimisation and storage.
- Development of gallium‑based power electronics aimed at enhancing grid resilience.
- Partnerships with industry to decarbonise manufacturing and energy‑intensive processes.
- Collaboration on sustainable living developments that could serve both local communities and international markets.
The university’s commitment is reinforced by recent milestones: UniSA achieved carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025, and the former University of Adelaide cut operational emissions by 52 % between 2010 and 2024. These achievements underscore the university’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
Prospective students interested in sustainability should consider how Adelaide University’s research aligns with their career ambitions. Explore sustainability‑focused degrees and discover opportunities for research placements.
Future‑Oriented Academic Programs
The new university will prioritise programs that cultivate skills needed for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, fintech and green technology. Pro Vice Chancellor David Lewis emphasised that the institution will offer “future‑making research of scale and focus that is nation‑critical and globally relevant.”
- Graduate and professional programs across engineering, technology and environmental science.
- Joint courses and research initiatives that involve both Australian and international partners.
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to work across sectors.
Candidates looking to join a forward‑thinking university should review the university’s degree comparison tool and assess which programmes match their interests and career objectives.
Getting Involved: Opportunities for Students and Researchers
Adelaide University offers multiple channels for engagement both on campus and internationally:
- Internships and placements: Through industry partnerships such as the TWE MOU, students can secure real‑world experience.
- Research collaborations: Students and academics can join joint projects with Chinese institutions, guided by the Australia‑China joint research venture.
- Study abroad exchanges: The university’s global learning programmes enable semester exchanges and short‑term study in partner countries.
- Networking events: CIFTIS and other international fairs provide networking opportunities with global leaders and scholars.
To take advantage of these opportunities, follow the university’s contact page for inquiries, or directly explore collaborations through the Asia-Pacific office.
Next Steps for Prospective Students and Partners
Students who are interested in leveraging Adelaide University’s international engagements should:
- Review admission requirements on the university’s how to apply page.
- Check eligibility for scholarships via the scholarships page.
- Contact the university’s admission office to discuss study pathways aligned with research interests.
- Follow up on partnership proposals through the partners and community page.
By engaging early, applicants can position themselves to benefit from global research projects and industry placements.
Have questions or need more detailed information? Write to the admissions team today and start shaping your future with Adelaide University.
