Tianjin University and Clariant Renew Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Development
On November 13, Tianjin University (TJU) and Clariant International Limited renewed their strategic cooperation agreement at TJU’s Peiyangyuan Campus. This renewal continues a partnership that began in September 2020.
Signing Ceremony Highlights
The signing ceremony included notable figures such as Dr. Marvin Estenfelder, Head of R&D for BU Catalysts at Clariant; Jace Wang, Vice President and Head of BU Catalysts Propylene; and Weixing Gu, Head of R&D for BU Catalysts China. Representatives from Tianjin University included Executive Vice President Hu Wenping, former Vice President Ma Xinbin, and various department heads from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology.
Welcoming Remarks
During the event, Vice President Hu welcomed the Clariant delegation and highlighted the achievements that have been made through their collaboration since the initial agreement. He invited Dr. Estenfelder to return in 2025 for the 130th anniversary of the university, which coincides with the centennial celebration of its chemical engineering discipline.
Commitment to Partnership
Dr. Estenfelder addressed the audience about Clariant’s commitment to fostering “Greater chemistry – between people and planet,” and he acknowledged TJU’s strengths in catalyst research. He characterized the partnership as having been open, innovative, collaborative, and trustworthy over the past four years.
Keynote Lecture: Catalyzing the Energy Transition
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Estenfelder delivered a keynote lecture titled “Catalyzing the Energy Transition” at the Peiyang Forum. The lecture focused on the contributions of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven insights to catalyst research, underscoring the significance of innovative catalysts in achieving net-zero emissions and sustainable development goals.
Laboratory Tour and Future Collaborations
The Clariant delegation also conducted a tour of the teaching laboratories and advanced instrument testing platforms at the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, which facilitated discussions about potential future collaborations.
Legacy of Partnership
Clariant is recognized as a global leader in specialty chemicals and established its partnership with TJU to advance the development of heterogeneous catalysis. The renewal of this agreement is anticipated to foster innovation in research and development while promoting international university-enterprise collaboration dedicated to cultivating future talent in chemical engineering and advancing sustainable development.
Source: Tianjin University
