East China Normal University

East China Normal University (ECNU)

华东师范大学
Former names	Shanghai Normal University (1972-1980)
Motto	求实创造，为人师表
Motto in English	Pursue what we have not been taught, and practice what we are going to teach
Type	Public (National)
Established	1951
President	Chen Qun
Students	32,000
Location	Shanghai, China
Campus	Putuo Campus (1072.25 acres) Minhang Campus (2071.53 acres)
Colors	ECNU Red
Mascot	ECNU Lions
Affiliations	BRICS Universities League Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance
Website	www.ecnu.edu.cn

East China Normal University (ECNU) is a comprehensive public research university located in Shanghai, China. It was formed in 1951 by the merger of the Great China University founded in 1924 and Kwang Hua University (est. 1925) which had its ultimate origins in the St. John's College established in the city in 1879. Its original role was to train teachers for secondary and higher education, as suggested in the name "Normal", but very soon housed top-class researchers and evolved into an elite research-intensive university.

ECNU is now organized into more than 22 schools, colleges, and institutes, located in two campuses throughout Minhang and Putuo. The university comprises 2 affiliated schools across the Shanghai metropolitan area: NYU Shanghai in Pudong,Asia-Europe Business School in Zizhu International Education Park. ECNU also maintains a National Forest Ecosystem Observation and Research Station in Tiantong National Forest Park, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.

ECNU is often considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in China and is internationally recognized with institutional partnerships worldwide. Sponsored by the national program "Project 211" and "Project 985", the university is a staunch force in the nation's research and innovation, and is reputed to be the "Columbia of the East". The university also has strong ties with the China Meteorological Administration, State Oceanic Administration and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.