Xi’an Jiaotong University Advances Academic and Research Cooperation with Ireland
A delegation from Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), led by President Zhang Liqun, visited Ireland from April 7 to 10, 2025, to enhance international collaboration in talent development, scientific research, and partnerships between universities and enterprises. Meetings were held with representatives from University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).
Discussions with University College Dublin
During discussions with UCD on April 8, opportunities for expanding student exchanges through summer programs and strengthening research collaborations were explored. President Zhang delivered a keynote address at the 65th International Synthetic Rubber Producers Annual Meeting, where he introduced a novel concept in bio-based engineering elastomers. The innovations presented included the world’s first bio-based polyester elastomer and polyurethane elastomer series, which aim to reduce carbon emissions by replacing fossil-based materials with renewable resources.
Engagement with Trinity College Dublin
On April 9, the delegation visited the School of Physics at TCD, discussing potential collaborations in fundamental sciences, novel training models for elite talent, and academic partnerships under the “International Society for Information Materials” framework. That same day, Zhang met with Deirdre Lillis, president of TU Dublin, and Executive Committee Member Dominic Dillane, where they agreed to enhance student mobility through industry-academia summer programs and to develop joint educational initiatives in key areas.
Roundtable Discussions and Collaborations
The delegation also engaged with Yang Tong, chargé d’Affaires ad interim and minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, and participated in a roundtable discussion with the Ireland-China Professors and Scholars Association. Scholars from TCD, UCD, University of Galway, TU Dublin, and Maynooth University shared ideas intended to enrich Sino-Irish research collaboration, foster high-level talent development, and encourage cultural innovation.
(Source: Xi’an Jiaotong University)
