ONE of China's most eminent professors is to be honoured by a North-East university tomorrow .

Professor Ma Qing Sheng is to receive an honorary doctorate of education from the University of Sunderland for his outstanding contribution to academic and public life.

Prof Ma has been a major figure in the sciences, both at home and abroad, for more than 30 years. The 60-year-old has also enjoyed a distinguished career in public life as a leading figure in China's Communist Party.

After studying for a BSC in genetics in Shanghai, Prof Ma worked at the Guangxi Agriculture Institute in south west China.

In 1983, he completed a PhD in biotechnology at the University of East Anglia, before returning to the institute as a professor. He became vice-president and then president of the institute.

Prof Ma has worked tirelessly to promote the University of Sunderland in China.

He has played a key role in encouraging a productive partnership between Guangxi Province and the university and has supported several projects which have brought government officials and managers from China to study in Sunderland.