Zhang Guangjun’s European Delegation Visit: Strengthening Educational and Research Collaborations

Zhang Guangjun, Chair of the University Committee, led a delegation to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany from April 7 to 15. The primary purpose of the visit was to enhance collaboration between Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) and various European universities and research institutions, with a particular emphasis on advancements in education and technology.
Objective of the Visit
The delegation aimed to establish a new framework for cooperation in higher education and scientific research with European counterparts.
Engagements in the United Kingdom
At the University of Birmingham, Zhang engaged with key officials, including Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) Robin Mason. Discussions centered on the development of a Joint Education Program, and Zhang conferred a guest professorship upon Professor Chris Tselepis, Director of Education at the College of Medicine and Health. Additionally, the universities co-hosted a seminar entitled “Sino-foreign Collaborative Education and Higher Education Internationalization,” which explored various topics related to cross-border education.
During the visit to the University of Bristol, Zhang met with President Evelyn Welch and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Liang-Fong Wong to renew a cooperation memorandum and to discuss the “3+1” joint talent training agreement.
At Oxford University, Zhang interacted with Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education Martin Williams to review the outcomes of a joint research internship summer camp and to explore innovative collaborative talent cultivation models.
Collaborations in Europe
Engagements also took place at Queen Mary University of London and Goethe University Frankfurt, focusing on collaborations in medical talent cultivation and scientific research, particularly in the field of cardiopulmonary sciences.
In Paris, discussions at the Grande École d’ingénieurs du numérique (ISEP) and ParisTech resulted in the signing of joint training agreements in computer science and cybersecurity, alongside a student exchange agreement.
Conclusion of the Visit
The visit concluded with meetings at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, where the delegation explored ways to deepen collaboration in cardiopulmonary sciences. Zhang also met with representatives from the overseas alumni community and engaged with Yang Xinyu, China’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, to discuss support for UNESCO initiatives through HUST’s academic capabilities.
This delegation reflects HUST’s commitment to fostering international partnerships in higher education and research.
(Source: Huazhong University of Science and Technology)