SYDNEY, July (Xinhua) -- The University of New South Wales has officially launched a new interdisciplinary research center at one of China's leading technology hubs.

Located in Shanghai's Yangpu Changyang Innovation Valley, the Sydney-based university said on Monday, the facility will bolster its presence in China and further boost Sino-Australian relations.

"We believe in the potential of global partnerships to transform society for the better socially, culturally and economically," UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said.

Once an industrial manufacturing base, the district is now an innovation leader that aims to support enhance research projects by fostering international education partnerships.

As well as giving the China-based alumni the benefit of greater networking opportunities, Jacobs believes that offering Australian and international students a chance to conduct research and undertake internships in on of the world's largest economies, will give UNSW a major edge.

Another benefit is that new centre brings UNSW closer to its strategic partner Shanghai Jiao Tong University and one of its key Torch Innovation Project partners Tus-Holdings.

The new facility will be managed by the university's International China Country Director Rachel Wei, who has moved from the UNSW Nanjing Representative Office.