The delegation of Shandong Polytechnic University visited SPbPU to discuss new formats of cooperation
A delegation from Shandong Polytechnic University (Shandong University of Technology) paid a working visit to St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.
The meeting was devoted to deepening partnerships, searching for new educational models in the context of the transformation of the higher education systems of the two countries and the development of research cooperation.
The program of the visit began with negotiations at the Resource Center for International Activities. The key topic was the discussion of an ambitious project — the creation of a joint institute. The parties also discussed a wide range of opportunities for joint work. Special attention was paid to the development of flexible schemes for the implementation of joint educational programs. Chinese colleagues have shown considerable interest in the «4 +2» model: four years of study in China with a diploma from Shandong Polytechnic University and the next two years of study at SPbPU under the specialty program, the diploma of which in China is equivalent to a master’s degree. More traditional but no less relevant formats were also considered in detail: bachelor’s degree «2+2» and «3+1», master’s degree «1+1», as well as the expansion of academic mobility programs and student participation in summer and winter schools of the two universities.
«During the constructive dialogue, we not only exchanged views on the current situation, but also focused on finding practical, viable solutions,» pointed out Vladimir Khizhnyak, Head of the International Cooperation Department. «Changes in the regulatory framework open up new challenges, but also create new opportunities for creative reformatting of cooperation with our key partners in Asia.»
The second part of the visit included an introduction to the scientific infrastructure of Polytechnic University. The delegation visited the laboratories of the Higher School of Cyberphysical Systems and control, where Vyacheslav Potekhin held a presentation on research potential. The parties outlined steps to develop scientific cooperation, including the preparation of joint publications and the submission of grant applications under bilateral intergovernmental programs.
The Chinese partners expressed interest in developing cooperation in a number of strategic areas relevant to the profile of both universities, such as automotive and new energy sources, mechanical engineering, new materials, electronics and artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.
This visit strengthened the mutual understanding between SPbPU and Shandong Polytechnic University and laid a solid foundation for taking the partnership to a new level in the coming years.