From September 23 to 29, a delegation from East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), led by Deputy Party Secretary Shen Haitao, visited Switzerland and Morocco. The delegation included Peng Delei, Dean of the School of Law; Ye Xinming, Dean of the School of Physical Education; Zheng Dong, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office; Lian Cheng, Vice Dean of the School of Chemistry; and Feng Aiai from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange.
Aligning with National Strategy, Strengthening Overseas Partnerships
The delegation visited Chinese diplomatic missions abroad to report on ECUST’s progress in international cooperation and talent cultivation, seek support from the embassies, and further integrate the university into the country’s broader opening-up initiatives.
At the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva, the delegation was warmly received by Ambassador Shen Jian, Minister-Counselor Liang Hong, and Counselor Mao Yizong. Ambassador Shen noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland and suggested that ECUST deepen its cooperation with Switzerland in areas such as new energy and actively participate in the formulation of international organization rules. Shen Haitao introduced ECUST’s efforts in cultivating globally competent talents.
Image Caption: Meeting with the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva
At the Chinese Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the delegation held in-depth discussions with Minister-Counselor Xu Qingjun, Counselor Gong Xiongjun, and Team Leader Zhang Weifeng. Xu Qingjun encouraged ECUST to contribute to promoting China’s multilateral trade stance and interpreting global trade rules. Shen Haitao provided an overview of the university’s think tank developments in related fields.
Image Caption: Meeting with the Chinese Mission to the WTO
Engaging with International Organizations, Deepening Participation in Global Governance
The delegation visited the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), achieving several landmark outcomes.
At FISU, Deputy Secretary-General Fernando Parente introduced the organization’s vision, operations, and programs. Shen Haitao highlighted ECUST’s strengths in integrating sports with education, particularly in table tennis. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on internships at international organizations, healthy campus certification, and joint sports education research.
Image Caption: Signing of the MOU between ECUST and FISU
Image Caption: Visiting the International University Sports Federation
At WIPO, the delegation met with Altaye Tedla, Director of the Distance Learning and Internal Training Programs Division, and discussed short-term training and talent cultivation for international organizations. Shen Haitao expressed hope to leverage WIPO’s professional resources and global network to promote the international transfer of scientific research achievements.
Image Caption: Shen Haitao in discussions with Ms. Altaye Tedla
Image Caption: Visiting the WIPO Academy
Strengthening University Partnerships, Building Bridges for Academic Exchange
To expand its global network, the delegation visited the University of Geneva, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and Hassan II University in Morocco.
At the University of Geneva, Shen Haitao and the delegation met with Professor Eric Bakker, Head of the Division of Analytical Sciences at the Swiss Chemical Society and Vice-Head of the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry. Shen Haitao introduced ECUST’s advancements in chemistry and chemical engineering, while Professor Bakker shared his achievements in electrochemical analysis. Both parties agreed to jointly apply for projects and facilitate exchanges of young faculty and students. The delegation also visited alumna Associate Professor Cao Chan and toured her laboratory.
Image Caption: Meeting with Professor Eric Bakker
Image Caption: Visiting a chemistry laboratory at the University of Geneva
At EPFL, the delegation met with ECUST alumnus Xu Qiucheng and visited the university’s chemistry laboratories and student activity center.
Image Caption: Visiting laboratories at the EPFL School of Basic Sciences
At Hassan II University, Shen Haitao met with Mustapha Lkhider, Vice President for Scientific Research and Cooperation, and introduced ECUST’s disciplinary strengths, research advantages, and its reputation as a preferred destination for international students.
Image Caption: Visiting Hassan II University
Deepening University-Industry Collaboration, Building an Integrated Innovation Chain
The delegation visited the headquarters of Givaudan, the world’s largest flavor and fragrance company, and held discussions with Daria Hammacher, Vice President of Operations and Sustainability, and Liu Xia, an alumna and Head of Compliance. Shen Haitao introduced ECUST’s disciplinary development, industry-academia partnerships, advancements in green synthesis of flavors and fragrances, and employment initiatives.
Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in biodegradable technology R&D and optimization of testing methods. The delegation also toured the company’s flavor production workshops and PSS testing laboratories.
Image Caption: Meeting with Givaudan’s laboratory testing team
Image Caption: Touring the flavor production workshop at Givaudan’s headquarters
