Representatives of the Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University Discussed the Development of Joint Research Projects
In mid-October a representative delegation of Tsinghua University (China) visited the Polytechnic University. The visit was devoted to the discussion of the results and prospects of strategic partnership of universities in the framework of scientific and industrial projects.
Tsinghua University was founded in 1911. It is one of the leading universities in China. It ranks first in the national ranking of universities in China, 17th in the QS World University Rankings and 22nd in Times Higher Education (as of 2018). During the first part of the meeting the current results of cooperation and prospects between Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University were discussed. Head of the International Office V. D. KHIZHNYAK underlined that our universities have had many years of successful partnership. In 2017, the Chairman of the Tsinghua University Council, Professor Chen XU, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University for her valuable contribution to the development of cooperation between our universities. And in 2019, the Rector of Polytechnic University Andrei RUDSKOI became an Honorary Professor of Tsinghua University. Both universities pay special attention to openness and exchange of the best educational practices, network partnership, attraction of the leading foreign scientists and talented students from all over the world. By the way, about 2 thousand students from China study at the Polytechnic University today.
Our University has been actively developing cooperation with China having partnerships with 40 public and private educational institutions, research institutes, as well as several dozen industrial partners, government organizations and foundations. The following activities are successfully carried out: research and exchange programs, joint conferences, summer schools etc. Vladimir Khizhnyak underlined his confidence in SPbPU leading role as the largest center of science and education, focused on promoting the development of relations between our countries. "The relations between Russia and China are currently warmer than ever, truly friendly, and the Polytechnic University is trying to promote and develop this cooperation in the field of science, innovation and education," he said.
MA JUN, Head of the Department of International Projects, spoke about the international strategy and activities of Tsinghua University. Liu WEI, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategic Cooperation between China and Russia, a graduate of the Polytechnic University outlined the key areas of scientific, technical and innovative cooperation with Russia.
Cooperation between the Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University extends to a wide range of scientific and educational areas. Currently, more than 10 research projects are being developed in the field of space technology, information technology, intelligent systems, additive technologies, humanities, etc. Our institutes have been successfully cooperating. In particular, SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering and Tsinghua University School of Environment are implementing a number of joint projects on environmental engineering and technosphere safety, SPbPU Institute of Computer Science and Technology and Tsinghua School of Informatics and technology – have been working in the field of artificial intelligence. A major milestone of cooperation is the opening of a Joint Laboratory of Aerospace and Electronic Technology within the framework of the program of international national research centers of China. There research is carried out by the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technology of the Polytechnic University and the Institute of Aerospace Engineering of Tsinghua University under the supervision of Professor S. B. MAKAROV and Tsinghua University Professor DONG Ge.
Thus, horizontal ties between professors and research teams of our universities have been established for a long time. Projects are developed remotely, but several times a year representatives of universities meet in person to see and discuss the results of the work. During the meetings the key experts in such research fields as electrical engineering, physics engineering, technosphere safety, engineering, emergency management, information technology and communications, summed up the results, cooperation plans as well for the expansion of further joint activities. Special attention was paid to new approaches to promotion and implementation of joint developments into the industry.
However, the purpose of the visit is not only to discuss further plans for 10 existing projects, but as well to find new partners and expand cooperation. Within the programme Chinese colleagues visited the Center of Industrial Robotics “Kawasaki-Polytech”, the Laboratory of Lightweight Materials and Structures and the Supercomputer Center. Polytechnic University faculty had the opportunity to meet and establish professional contacts with Chinese colleagues to contribute to the further development of partnerships between our universities.
Prepared by the SPbPU Media Center