The Faculty of Law of Comenius University Establishes a Strategic Partnership with South-Central Minzu University in Wuhan, China
From 11 to 15 November 2025, a delegation of the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava (CU) visited the prestigious South-Central Minzu University (SCMU) in Wuhan
The Faculty of Law of Comenius University Establishes a Strategic Partnership with South-Central Minzu University in Wuhan, China
From 11 to 15 November 2025, a delegation of the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava (CU) visited the prestigious South-Central Minzu University (SCMU) in Wuhan. The purpose of the visit was to expand international cooperation, strengthen relations with a significant Asian partner institution, and open new opportunities for students, academic staff, and researchers.
The Faculty of Law was represented by:
Prof. Eduard Burda, PhD. (Dean),
Prof. Lívia Trellová, PhD. (Vice-Dean for International Relations),
Assoc. Prof. Peter Lukáčka, PhD., Assoc. Prof. Branislav Fábry, PhD., Assoc. Prof. Katarína Burdová, PhD., JUDr. Zoltán Gyurász, PhD., and JUDr. Sára Kiššová, PhD.
South-Central Minzu University: A Unique Institution Focused on Diversity
Founded in 1951, South-Central Minzu University ranks among the most important Chinese universities with a strong focus on cultural and ethnic diversity. In addition to members of the Han majority, representatives of all 55 officially recognised ethnic minorities in China study at SCMU.
The university is built on the principle of unity in diversity, actively promoting respect for cultural differences while encouraging cooperation and mutual understanding. The university campus embodies this philosophy — students are supported in preserving their cultural traditions while engaging in a shared academic community.
The Department of Law was established in 1996, and the Faculty of Law launched its first undergraduate programme in 1989. SCMU places particular emphasis on high-quality higher education, strong international partnerships, and academic cooperation, as evidenced by its active collaborations with European and Asian universities and its commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary research.
The Faculty of Law currently offers a Bachelor’s programme in Law and Intellectual Property Law (LL.B.), as well as seven Master’s programmes in the fields of legal theory, constitutional and administrative law, civil and commercial law, criminal law, procedural law, economic law, and international law.
Two-Day Negotiations: A New Framework for Academic Cooperation
During the visit, the delegation held intensive meetings with the leadership of SCMU’s Faculty of Law, including: Prof. Pan Xongxiang (Dean), Prof. Liao Hua (Vice-Dean),
Ms Sun Xiaoli (Director of the International Relations Office), as well as other academic representatives and members of the university administration.
Discussions focused on the development of specific forms of cooperation, including:
• student and staff mobility programmes,
• joint scientific research projects and academic initiatives,
• short-term and long-term research stays,
• cooperation on conferences, workshops, and summer schools.
Both institutions expressed a strong interest in developing a long-term partnership that will strengthen their position in the international academic community. The second day of meetings concentrated on designing concrete models of academic and research collaboration and preparing future joint research activities.
Engagement with the Academic Life of SCMU
Members of the delegation actively participated in the academic activities of the host institution, including:
•attending a seminar in Constitutional Law taught in English,
• participating in the final round of the university Moot Court competition,
• presenting diplomas to the winning teams, awarded by the Dean and Vice-Dean.
The programme also included two specialised lectures delivered by members of the Slovak delegation:
• JUDr. Zoltán Gyurász, PhD. — The European Approach to IT Law (Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence)
The lecture focused on the European Union’s legal framework governing information technologies, particularly cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Special attention was given to the EU’s efforts to build a secure and trustworthy digital environment accessible to all actors wishing to operate in the European market.
• JUDr. Sára Kiššová, PhD. — Trade in the European Union
This lecture addressed contemporary challenges of the European internal market and provided a practical explanation of how the EU’s four fundamental freedoms and its common commercial policy operate in practice. Students gained a comprehensive overview of how EU rules influence trade relations, the movement of goods and services, and business activities in the European economic area.
During transitions between scheduled activities, the Slovak academics also had the opportunity to experience a ride in an autonomous vehicle, now a common element of everyday transport in Wuhan.
A Step Toward Strengthening the Global Presence of the Faculty
The visit to SCMU represents a significant milestone in enhancing the international engagement of the Faculty of Law of Comenius University. The new partnership creates opportunities for student mobility, collaborative research, and deeper academic exchange between Slovakia and China.
Through such initiatives, the Faculty continues to build a global network of academic partnerships that foster modern legal education and high-quality research.