A joint research institute, co-sponsored by local Nankai University and Tianjin University, was set up last week in this north China's municipality.

It is the first of its kind in the country, and first 13 cooperative programs between the two universities were also launched, according to sources.

The setup of the institute demonstrates a new model of running institutions of higher education, drawing attention of senior educational officials and other universities, said Zhou Yuanqing, head of the working group responsible for the educational cooperation between the two universities. The cooperation is expected to bring forth experience for the systematic reform of universities in the country, Zhou added.

The two universities will share resources and have jointly set up a fund for scientific and technological development.

A 25,000-square-meter (29,900 squre yards) building for the research institute will be built at neighboring zone between the two universities, sources said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2001)