Introduction

Introduction to BNBU

Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU) stands as a pioneering new liberal arts university at the forefront of higher education in China. Established in 2005 as a collaborative effort between Beijing Normal University  and   Hong   Kong Baptist University,  BNBU  was  the  first  full-scale cooperation in higher education between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Located in Zhu hai, Guangdong Province, BNBU is a beacon of international education, embodying a unique blend of Eastern and Western academic traditions.

BNBU is committed to providing a liberal arts education that nurtures well-rounded, innovative, and socially responsible individuals. The college offers a diverse range of programs across disciplines such as Business and Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Culture & Creativity, and Science and Technology, all designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective among students.

English is the medium of instruction at BNBU, reflecting its commitment to preparing students for the demands of a global ized world. The college’s English Language Center (ELC), under the School of General Education, plays a pivotal role in supporting students' linguistic and academic development, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in their studies and future careers.

BNBU’s mission extends beyond academic excellence. The college places a strong emphasis on whole-person education, encouraging students to engage in emotional intelligence, community service, cultural activities, and leadership development. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable in their fields but also possess  the ethical grounding and interpersonal skills necessary  to   make meaningful contributions to society.

As a leader in international education in China, BNBU attracts students and faculty from  around  the  world,  creating  a  vibrant, multicultural campus environment.  The college’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a reputation as a model of higher education reform in China, making it a top choice for students seeking a world- class liberal arts education with a global outlook.

BNBU is more than just an academic institution; it is a community dedicated to fostering intellectual growth, personal development, and cross-cultural understanding. Through its innovative programs and commitment to excellence, BNBU continues to shape the future of education in China and beyond.

Introduction to TIRF

Since 1998, the mission of TIRF (The Internationa Research Foundation for English Language Education) has focused on improving the global landscape of language education. Through engaging in various research-based activities, TIRF has demonstrated its continued commitment to positively influencing the lives of its stakeholders, including teachers, researchers, authors, publishers, philanthropic foundations,  government  agencies,  and  corporations.  Our Trustees believe that the ultimate success in meeting the Foundation’s goals will depend to a large degree on support from both individuals and groups around the world. We wish to partner with others who share this philosophy and desire to take part in this critical endeavor. The following provides an overview of TIRF’s programs and activities – past and present.

    TIRF Publications: TIRF has demonstrated a history of commissioning research on some of the most important topics  in  the  field  of language education. Through partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals, TIRF has produced a number of publications which address critical areas in the field of language education. In 2012, TIRF entered into a publishing contract with Routledge (Taylor & Francis) to produce an international research-based series, “Global Research in Teaching and Learning English.” Since that time, the Foundation has published 11 volumes. Also, TIRF co-publishes the TIRF Insights series with National Geographic Learning. Through this series, TIRF profiles recent research in the field of  English  Language Teaching in a practical and accessible format. These publications are written for parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends in a nonacademic way.

   Grant & Prize Programs: The Foundation’s flagship grant opportunity – its Doctora  Dissertationl Grants  (DDG)  program – began in 2002. Designed to provide financial support to candidates in the final stages of their doctoral studies, the DDG program has made 208 awards to individuals from nearly 30 countries. TIRF partners who have made major contributions to this program for more than two decades  include  the  British Council, Cambridge English (part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment), Duolingo, Educational Testing Service, among others. Beyond the DDG program, TIRF offers annually the TIRF Kat een M. Bai ey Teac  er-Researc   Awarhllhh d, the TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research on Language Policy and Planning  in  Educationa Contexts, and the TIRF-British Council Research Mentoring Awards.

    Professional Services: TIRF provides various types of servicesf in the field of language education. These services include professional development opportunities for language education professionals, program review services for language education centers, TIRF Talks, conference co-hosting, and others

   Board of Trustees: TIRF’s Board is composed of internationally renowned, senior members in language education. The Trustees represent academic, business, and policy perspectives in our field. The Foundation’s current Trustees are from or live in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Organizational Support: Over the years, the Foundation has enjoyed support from numerous organizations in our field, for example, from the  British  Council, Cambridge Assessment  English, Cambridge University Press, the Center for Applied Linguistics, Duolingo, Educational Testing Service, Laureate International Universities,   National Geographic Learning,   Pearson Education, TESOL International  Association,  Walt  Disney Company, and many others. We continually  work toward providing our partners important PR coverage, including via our website, newsletter, and our social media outlets.