The University will be part of Australia's largest-ever service delegation at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) from 10 to 14 September 2025.
For Adelaide University, CIFTIS is an opportunity to highlight the success of its foundation institutions as well as shine a spotlight on future goals.
The University, which opens its doors on 1 January 2026, is already making a name for itself on the global stage - reaching equal 82nd in the 2026 QS Rankings.
"CIFTIS is an exciting opportunity to showcase Adelaide University's world-class education and research capabilities," says Professor David Lewis, Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Engineering and IT, who is leading the University’s delegation in Beijing.
"Adelaide University will build on the groundbreaking research and achievements of the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia.
"Driven by purpose, Adelaide University will deliver future-making research of scale and focus that is nation-critical and globally relevant.”
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) and the University will also formalise a memorandum of understanding at the trade show which will create new opportunities for the next generation of winemakers and wine sector professionals.
“As a global leader in wine industry, this partnership with TWE will give our students the opportunity to grow," says Professor Lewis.
"About 70 per cent of Australia's wine research and development is conducted through small-scale, proof-of-concept viticultural and winemaking trials at our Waite campus.
"TWE already facilitates an industry exchange for Chinese and Australian early-career winemakers, supported by the Australian Grape and Wine, and China Alcoholic Drinks Association, providing them the chance to experience vintage in another country.
"This MOU will build on these established connections and foster opportunities for industry placement and research collaboration."
TWE is a global industry leader in premium and luxury winemaking, responsible for brand division including Penfolds, Treasury Collective, and Treasury Americas.
"TWE and University of Adelaide have developed a strong working relationship through joint research initiatives in viticulture, oenology, and wine innovation, as well as industry placements for co-supervised PhD students," says Chen Ma, TWE Director Public Affairs Asia.
"This partnership will combine world-class academic training with immersive industry experience, enabling students and staff to gain in-depth knowledge of Australian agriculture, viticulture, wine production, and international trade between Australia and China."
Representatives from more than 150 countries will be on the ground for CIFTIS, promoting work in domains including artificial intelligence, financial tech, health care and green technology.
The Adelaide University delegation is proud to represent official guest country Australia at the fair and to share its story with the Chinese community.
This year, the Australian delegation at CIFTIS will focus on the green economy and sustainability, areas of strength for the foundation universities, as well as a strategic focus for the new Adelaide University.
"Connectivity to priority and emerging industries places Adelaide University at the heart of innovation," says Prof Lewis.
“The University is home to the largest concentration of agricultural and wine research and teaching expertise in the southern hemisphere, which develops sustainable solutions to meet increasing global demand for food.”
Not only will the University be partnering with Austrade China's Study Australia campaign, visitors to CIFTIS will learn more about the ground-breaking research, world-leading programs and future vision for sustainability.
"UniSA met carbon neutrality for its operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) in 2025, while the University of Adelaide reduced its operational emissions by 52 per cent between 2010 and 2024," says Prof Lewis.
"We also have teams of brilliant academics working in this space, from optimising and storing renewable energy, developing the next generation of gallium-based power electronics and decarbonising industrial processes.
"Our academics are also working with key industry leaders around future proofing projects like sustainable living developments, which will provide opportunities both locally and help the international ambition of equity and access to technology globally. "
CIFTIS will allow Adelaide University to strengthen its foundation partnerships, including the joint Australia-China research venture to advance the next generation design of renewable energy systems – maximising Australia’s natural coastline and resource for sustainable offshore energy production.