Foundation memorial to student

Jiangning Wang, who died in November 2009, was the first Chinese student to study art history at York University and her aim in life was to become an ambassador to promote cultural exchange between China and Europe.

Now she is being honoured by the creation of the Jiangning Foundation, at York University, which aims to support research and teaching projects between higher education providers and cultural institutions in Britain and China.

The first activity sponsored by the foundation will be two MA scholarships for Chinese students in the History of Art department at York University.

York has also established a partnership with Peking University in Beijing, China, for student exchange, scholarships development, research and teaching partnerships.

York University's vice chancellor Prof Brian Cantor said; "We hope that the foundation will grow to encompass research, learning and innovation in a range of programmes centred on the arts and culture of China. We also aim to build strong links with academic and cultural organisations in China as partners in this endeavour."

Prof Mark Hallett, the university's head of History of Art said: "We intend that the foundation will support exhibitions and staff appointments, as well as joint research between Britain and China. Jiangning was the first person from mainland China to study art history at York – she was a pioneer – and I believe she would welcome this project."