On June 16, 2025, Vice President Prof.Li Xiangning met with Ms.Katarzyna Zelichowska, Research and Innovation Counsellor of the EU Delegation to China, and Dr.Vojko Bratina, Science and Technology Counsellor of the General Consulate of Italy in Shanghai, at the Yifu Building of Tongji university.

Ms.Katarzyna Zelichowska expressed her strong anticipation for deepening cooperation through in-person exchanges. She introduced the important role of EU research funding framework programs "Horizon Europe" in promoting China-EU joint scientific research. In future, she hopes to foster enhanced collaborative innovation between Chinese and European universities and research institutions in areas of mutual interest, such as responses to extreme weather events and governance of climate change.

Prof. Li Xiangning emphasized that China-EU cooperation holds great potential in addressing global development challenges. He introduced Tongji University's disciplinary strengths and the situation of the newly established five research institutes, expressing hope for joint research initiatives with European partners. He also looked forward to deepening cooperation in education and research in fields such as AI governance.

Dr.Vojko Bratina mentioned the recent successful "Italian Research Day" academic forum held at Tongji University. He expressed the desire to strengthen collaboration with enterprises and local governments through China-Italy, China-EU platforms, and research institutions.

During the meeting, Dr.Xu Ming, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office, welcomed the delegation's visit and hoped it would serve as an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation. Representatives from the Foreign Affairs Office and the Scientific Research Management Department introduced the Tongji University's latest developments, China-EU cooperation projects, and an overview of China-EU research collaboration. Representatives from the Sino-French School of Engineering and Management, the Sino-Spanish Campus, and the Sino-Italian Campus also presented their respective educational and research collaborations with relevant European countries.