Delegation of South China University of Technology discussed strategic partnership with SPbPU

St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held a meeting with the representatives of South China University of Technology (SCUT) aimed at strengthening academic and scientific cooperation between the universities. The delegation of SCUT was headed by the Vice-President of the University Li Zheng, who noted the similarity of the structures of our universities: concentration on technical and engineering spheres, as well as in the field of composite materials and energy.

Vladimir Khizhnyak, Head of the International Cooperation Department, Tatyana Sytnikova, Deputy Head of the International Education Department, Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, Head of the International Interuniversity Cooperation Department, Anton Naumov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transportation participated in the negotiations from the side of SPbPU.

The Chinese side expressed interest in concluding a framework agreement, which will become the basis for developing a roadmap for joint projects. SCUT proposed to consider models of academic mobility, as well as the participation of Chinese students in summer and winter schools of SPbPU. Special emphasis was placed on master’s degree programs in English, of which there are more than 20 at Polytechnic University. Anton Naumov added that the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Materials and Transportation is ready for joint research in the field of nanoelectronics, laser technologies and composite materials, as well as for publishing scientific articles and applying for grants from the Russian National Foundation and the Chinese Natural Science Foundation.

SCUT, in its turn, shared its experience of interaction with industrial giants, including Huawei, which annually employs more than 500 university graduates. Chinese colleagues suggested organizing a visit of SPbPU representatives to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, where key technology clusters are located. This will allow detailing projects in the field of energy, digitalization and innovative materials.

I am sure that already next year students will be able to participate in joint programs, and scientific teams will launch breakthrough projects, said Vladimir Khizhnyak. The SCUT delegation thanked for the warm welcome and expressed hope that the cooperation would become a new stage in the development of Russian-Chinese educational and technological ties.