From March 13th to 22nd, Vice President Prof. LOU Yongqi led a delegation to France, Italy, and Germany.

During the visit to France, the delegation visited institutions including the École des Ponts ParisTech, the School of Architecture (ENSA), Huawei OpenLab Paris, Huawei Lagrange Research Institute, and Pompidou Center. The delegation met with Prof. Marie-Christine BERT, Vice Rector of International Affairs, and Prof. Jérôme Lesueur, Vice Rector of Research at the École des Ponts ParisTech. In-depth discussions focused on the implementation of the Sino-French Alliance for Excellence in Engineer Education initiative, the development of Sino-foreign cooperative education programs and cross-platform international cooperation, the promotion of the construction of the Sino-French Collaborative Innovation Center, and the strengthening of short-term student exchange programs and doctoral-level cooperation, among other topics. At the School of Architecture (ENSA), discussions were held on collaborative initiatives in architectural heritage preservation and artistic design. The delegation met with Prof. Françoise GED, head of the “Chinese Architecture Observatory” project, Prof. Pablo KATZ, head of ENSA and Mrs. Catherine CHEVILLOT, Chair of the City of Architectural Heritage, Mr. Olivier ZEITOUN, curator of the Industrial and Design Department at the Pompidou Center. The delegation also met with Tongji alumni in France.

The delegation at the École des Ponts ParisTech

The delegation at the School of Architecture (ENSA)

The delegation at Huawei OpenLab Paris

The delegation at the Huawei Lagrange Research Institute

In Italy, the delegation visited universities and departments including Politecnico di Milano, Milan City Government, Politecnico di Torino, and the University of Florence. At Politecnico di Milano, Vice President Prof. Lou Yongqi deepened discussions with Vice Rector Prof. Giuliano Noci to elevate the strategic partnership to version 2.0, expanding cooperation in joint doctoral training, collaborative research, innovation spaces, regional knowledge economy, and the Shanghai World Design Capital conference. The delegation met Mses. Vittoria Beria and Marika Bazzani from the Milan City International Relations Office to strengthen collaborative ties. The delegation also held meetings with Rector Prof. Guido Saracco, Vice Rector Prof. David Chiaramonti, and Prof. Michele Bonino, Rector Representative for Chinese and Asian Affairs of Politecnico di Torino, reaching a consensus on the issues of joint preparation for the Sino-Italian cooperative educational institution, mutual establishment of cooperative offices, support for regular faculty visits, doctoral dual-degree programs, and provision of more flexible and short-term exchange programs for students, such as summer schools. At the University of Florence, the delegation discussed with Vice Rectors Prof. Giorgia Giovannetti and Prof. Ersilia Menesini the initiative of joint research centers focused on cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development. The delegation also visited the Confucius Institute co-built by Tongji University and the University of Florence. They propose the establishment of a joint research center with the theme of cultural heritage protection and sustainable development and promoting the multidisciplinary integration of Sino-Italian joint talent training, scientific research and cultural exchanges. They also expressed firm belief that the overseas summer school program of Tongji University and the Confucius Institute will continue to contribute significantly to Sino-Italian cooperation.

Prof. LOU Yongqi and Prof. Giuliano Noci

The delegation and Tongji students at Politecnico di Milano

Prof. LOU Yongqi visits the Milano municipal government

The delegation at Politecnico di Torino

Prof. LOU Yongqi and Prof. Guido Saracco

The delegation at the University of Florence

In Germany, the delegation visited HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences) and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. At HTW Berlin, the delegation met Prof. Hans Wilhelm Orth, China Coordinator of the German University Consortium for International Cooperations (DHIK); Prof. Tilo Wendler, Vice Rector of HTW Berlin; Prof. Klaus Kreulich, Vice Rector of Hochshule München (University of Applied Sciences); and Prof. Christian Schumann of Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (University of Applied Sciences). Discussions focused on a founding a Sino-German university in the Shanghai Lingang New Area based on the model of German universities of applied sciences. In-depth exchanges were carried out on the specific contents of the major courses, organizational development, and structure of cooperative education programs. The delegation also visited the Laboratory for Automation Control and Automotive Technology at HTW Berlin. At Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the delegation met Prof. Lutz Steiner, Prof. Petra Ritter, and Prof. Malek Bajbouj and discussed the possibility of further expanding practical cooperation between Tongji and Charité in the fields of teaching, scientific research, internships, academic seminars, etc.

The delegation at HTW Berlin

The delegation at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Meetings were also held with Chinese embassies and consulates in Germany and France along with partner institutions in Europe. The visit aimed to strengthen academic partnerships and explore opportunities for joint initiatives.