At a time when the entire country is deeply studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th Central Committee’s Fourth Plenary Session, recently, Jiang Chuanhai, Party Secretary of the University, was invited to lead a delegation to Italy and the UK. The visit focused on international talent cultivation, collaborative research in key fields, and the deep integration of industry, academia, and research. During the visit, the delegation conducted practical exchanges with several high-level universities and institutions, aiming to elevate the university’s international cooperation and open educational model.
Targeting Technological Frontiers: Co-building Research High Ground and Innovation Engines
The delegation was warmly received by Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, and Dr. Tariq Ali, Vice-Chancellor, who reflected on the fruitful cooperation between the two institutions since 2016, particularly in the application of new materials through the Nobel Prize Center. Based on a solid foundation of collaboration and shared development vision, both parties signed a new memorandum of understanding to jointly establish a research center. This center will further integrate the strengths of both universities in clean energy, urban planning, and social governance, advancing cooperation to new heights. During the visit, both universities also co-hosted the first Sustainable Cities and Governance seminar, where eight young faculty members from the university's College of Environmental Science, Business, Social Sciences, and Arts were invited to attend. The pragmatic cooperation between our university and the University of Liverpool was highly recognized by the Consulate General of China in Manchester. Consul General Tang Rui met with the delegation at the consulate and officially invited the university to participate in the 2026 China-UK Clean Energy International Seminar, to contribute wisdom and strength to global green energy governance and sustainable development.
Image Caption: Our university signs a memorandum of cooperation with the University of Liverpool and jointly establishes a research center.
Image Caption: The first “Sustainable Cities and Governance” seminar between the University of Liverpool and ECUST is held in the UK.
Image Caption: The delegation visits the Materials Innovation Workshop at the University of Liverpool.
Image Caption: Consul General Tang Rui of China in Manchester warmly meets Jiang Chuanhai and the delegation at the consulate residence.
Strengthening Industry-Academia-Research Integration: Empowering Friendship City Development and Industry Upgrading
During the visit to Milan, the delegation held talks with Professor Andrea Narnasi, former Chairman of the Polytechnic University of Milan Foundation, and Professor Anna Barbara, President of the Milan Design Institute. The two sides reached a new consensus on advancing the DBA project, which has been based on years of solid cooperation in information engineering, management, and design. They expressed their commitment to closely aligning their work with Shanghai’s strategic goal of building a globally influential science and innovation center. Leveraging their respective strengths in disciplines such as chemistry and new energy, they will strengthen industry-academia-research collaboration in key frontier fields. During the visit, the university’s College of Arts officially signed a memorandum of understanding and a student exchange agreement with the Milan Design Institute. Additionally, a design talent seminar was held locally. The delegation also visited SAIC Group’s London Advanced Design Center. Accompanied by Yu Jingmin, Executive Vice President of SAIC Motor Passenger Vehicle Division, and Shao Jingfeng, Chief Designer of SAIC Group Innovation R&D Institute and General Manager of SAIC UK Technical Center, the delegation was briefed on SAIC’s industry layout, global strategy, and cutting-edge design concepts. Both sides reached a consensus on collaborative talent cultivation, interdisciplinary projects, and the establishment of overseas internship positions.
Image Caption: The delegation visits the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Image Caption: The delegation tours the largest wind tunnel laboratory in Europe at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Image Caption: Jiang Chuanhai and the delegation visit the SAIC London Advanced Design Center.
Building Bridges of Friendship: Deepening Cultural Exchange and Strategic Mutual Trust
At the Oxford University Institute for Global Development, Jiang Chuanhai and Director Wang Shidong discussed topics such as talent development and the establishment of base classes. Jiang invited more British students to participate in projects like “YES” and “Advanced Workshops” in China to enhance mutual understanding and trust through youth exchanges. At the University of Huddersfield, Jiang Chuanhai signed a memorandum of understanding with President Bob Klein and appointed him as a member of the university's International Cooperation and Exchange Advisory Committee. Jiang highly praised the achievements of the Huddersfield Confucius Institute and visited the university’s faculty and volunteers. He emphasized that the Confucius Institute should continue to strengthen its curriculum while expanding its brand projects, such as the Low Carbon Technology and Green Development bilateral seminar, and work on integrating the ion of traditional Chinese culture with showcasing contemporary China’s development achievements, striving to make the institute a solid platform for enhancing the friendship between the peoples of China and the UK and ing mutual learning between civilizations.
Image Caption: Jiang Chuanhai and the delegation visit the SAIC London Advanced Design Center.
Image Caption: The Director of the East Asia Section of the Oxford University Library accompanies the delegation during their visit.
Image Caption: The delegation visits the students from our university currently studying at Oxford University.
Image Caption: Jiang Chuanhai meets with the President of the University of Huddersfield for discussions.
Image Caption: Jiang Chuanhai visits the Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Huddersfield, Lei Ying, and the Chinese faculty and volunteers.
The delegation was accompanied by Ma Xiang, Dean of the School of Chemical and Molecular Engineering; Xiu Guangli, Party Secretary of the School of Resources and Environmental Engineering; Wang Jun, Dean of the School of Art Design and Media; Cao Hui, Deputy Director of the Party Committee Office; and Tang Jimin, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Office.
