The Suzhou University of Science and Technology (苏州科技大学, SUST) was established on September 1, 2001, with the approval of the National Ministry of Education and the Government of Jiangsu Province, through the merging of the former Suzhou Institute of Urban Construction and Environmental Protection and the former Suzhou Railway Teachers College. The newly established university is an engineering-centered multi-disciplinary institution of higher education, covering such fields as engineering, science, liberal arts, and management. Centering upon undergraduate programs, concurrently adult continuation education, the University takes an active part in developing postgraduate programs and undertakes the responsibility of fostering practical and creative talents.