President DU Jiangfeng leads a delegation to visit Italy

DU Jiangfeng, President of Zhejiang University, led a delegation on a tour to Italy from April 15 to 18, marking a significant stride in international collaboration. Their itinerary was rich in initiatives aimed at fostering academic ties and promoting cultural exchanges. 

At the Sapienza University of Rome, DU Jiangfeng engaged in a series of in-depth discussions with Giorgio Parisi, the 2021 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, regarding potential collaborations in fields such as quantum information and complex systems. Embracing a vision of establishing an interdisciplinary institute for basic research, DU Jiangfeng extended a cordial invitation to Giorgio Parisi to visit Zhejiang University, offering his expertise to promote the development of physics-related disciplines. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Zhejiang University announced its intent to confer upon Giorgio Parisi an honorary doctoral degree, a gesture warmly welcomed by Parisi who eagerly anticipated his upcoming visit to Zhejiang University later in the year.

At the behest of Rector Antonella Polimeni of the Sapienza University of Rome, Vice Rectors Giuseppe Ciccarone and Fabio Sciarrino, along with nearly 20 heads from various schools and departments, held a meeting with the Zhejiang University delegation. During the gathering, both parties reviewed the fruitful outcomes of collaborative endeavors since the establishment of their inter-university partnership in 2009. They also exchanged updates on advancements across various domains, including disciplinary construction, talent cultivation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. To further deepen ties, they discussed a series of strategies such as the promotion of multi-level personnel exchanges, the implementation of joint graduate programs, and the expansion of cooperation in disciplines spanning physics, architecture, art, and archaeology. Following the meeting, DU Jiangfeng and Giuseppe Ciccarone formalized their commitment to ongoing collaboration by signing a new memorandum of inter-university cooperation.

Accompanied by Fabio Sciarrino, the delegation made a guided tour of the Quantum Information Lab, the Museum of Physics, and the Museum of Classical Art, and exchanged ideas with faculty and students at the Sapienza University of Rome.

On the afternoon of April 15, DU Jiangfeng and his delegation engaged in enlightening discussions with Luciano Pietronero, President of Enrico Fermi Research Center, on scientific research and innovation in the realm of physics.

They also visited the Chinese Embassy in Italy, where they met with Ambassador JIA Guide. DU Jiangfeng stressed that Zhejiang University will continue to take the initiative and make the most of its global network to promote talent cultivation and cultural exchanges with top Italian universities. Ambassador JIA Guide said that the Chinese Embassy in Italy will support Zhejiang University in expanding cooperation with Italian universities, thereby deepening Sino-Italian scientific, educational, and cultural exchanges.

On April 18, DU Jiangfeng attended the opening ceremony of China’s national pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale. In a gesture symbolizing cultural exchange, DU Jiangfeng presented the University of Bologna with the Comprehensive Collection of Chinese Ancient Paintings, marking the first time that the “Collection” was donated to an Italian partner university. Expressing optimism for future collaborations, DU Jiangfeng emphasized the potential for Zhejiang University and the University of Bologna to jointly propel the innovative transformation and development of invaluable traditional cultures from China and Italy.

In response, Raffaella Campaner, Vice Rector at the University of Bologna, conveyed gratitude for the precious gift and reflected on the fruitful collaboration between the two universities over the past 15 years. She said that the University of Bologna will continue to promote humanistic exchanges between the two universities, China and Italy, and the world.