ZJU expands global partnerships in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan

In a bid to strengthen ties between Zhejiang University and the Asia-Pacific region, President DU Jiangfeng recently led a high-level delegation on a recent visit to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The tour resulted in several significant partnership agreements, nearly twenty academic meetings, and extensive exchanges with Chinese embassies, consulates, and alumni, opening up new avenues for cooperation across various academic and research fields.  

At the University of Sydney in Australia, DU Jiangfeng and his colleagues were warmly received by Vice-Chancellor and President Mark Scott, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Emma Johnson. Both institutions commended their long-standing collaboration in fields such as engineering, business, and pharmacy, as well as the success of their strategic cooperation fund. During the visit, Zhejiang University and the University of Sydney signed a new Memorandum of Understanding and a strategic cooperation agreement. The two universities have been in a strategic partnership since 2018, when they set up a joint seed funding scheme to support new collaborative research projects. In 2021, they established a joint lab on sustainable environment to develop solutions to global problems such as environmental pollution remediation, ecosystem restoration, renewable and clean energy. Looking ahead, the two universities plan to further develop joint research platforms, expand their research cooperation, and strengthen top-notch talent cultivation for mutual development.

DU Jiangfeng and his colleagues also toured several key research centers at the Faculty of Engineering and the joint lab on sustainable environment. Discussions with faculty and department representatives revolved around student exchanges, joint course development, co-hosted conferences, and expanded research collaboration. As part of the visit, the delegation renewed a college-level cooperation agreement between Zhejiang University’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the University of Sydney’s School of Pharmacy.

In New Zealand, the delegation visited the University of Auckland, where they engaged in productive discussions with Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement) Erik Lithander. Both sides their existing partnerships in marine and public health fields and explored new areas for cooperation. They agreed to strengthen student exchanges, develop joint training programs, and broaden the scope of cooperation. They also proposed to conduct multilateral cooperation on global challenges through the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. In a symbolic move, the University of Auckland joined over 60 universities from 31 countries by signing the “Joint Statement of Global University Leaders on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” an initiative spearheaded by Zhejiang University.

The delegation’s visit to the University of Auckland included a tour of the Maurice Wilkins Centre, a national Center of Research Excellence focused on molecular biodiscovery. This visit provided insights into the center’s cutting-edge research and clinical translation models. Both parities explored potential avenues for future collaborations in this critical field.

The final leg of the delegation's tour took place in Japan, where DU Jiangfeng met with Kyoto University President Nagahiro Minato and Vice President Tetsuo Sawaragi to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on joint PhD training programs. The College of Energy Engineering at Zhejiang University and the Graduate School of Energy Sciences at Kyoto University renewed their dual PhD program agreement. Both sides acknowledged shared challenges such as climate change and aging, and agreed to conduct interdisciplinary cooperation in talent cultivation and research innovation. The delegation also visited Kyoto University’s Nanotechnology Hub and the International Advanced Energy Science Research and Education Center to better understand the management and operation of Kyoto University’s basic research facilities.

At the University of Tokyo, Du Jiangfeng met with President Teruo Fujii and former Executive Vice President Tatsuya Okubo to explore potential partnerships in global health and energy transformation. Their talks focused on fostering institutional connections and enhancing academic exchanges. The meeting with Kensuke Fukushi, Director of the Institute for Future Initiatives, yielded a consensus on collaborative projects centered around sustainable development goals.

At Kobe University, DU Jiangfeng met with President Masato Fujisawa to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the medical field. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening student exchange programs. In his capacity as President of Asia-Pacific EPR/ESR Society, DU Jiangfeng attended an international workshop at Kobe University on "modern developments and applications of ESR, THz and high magnetic fields" (MDETH 2024) . He delivered a keynote address, sharing insights on cutting-edge research in this specialized field.

Throughout the visit, the delegation met with Chinese diplomats, including Chinese Consul General in Auckland CHEN Shijie, and Chinese Ambassador to Japan WU Jianghao. These meetings provided updates on Zhejiang University’s academic achievements and its commitment to international collaboration. Discussions focused on enhancing educational, scientific, and cultural exchange programs with Japan and New Zealand, respectively.

In each city, DU Jiangfeng and his delegation also met with alumni of Zhejiang University. Du Jiangfeng expressed his gratitude for their long-standing support and encouraged them to remain involved in fostering international cooperation and academic growth.  

The visit marked a significant step forward in Zhejiang University’s mission to deepen its presence and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.