Zhejiang University strengthens ties with German and Dutch universities

A delegation led by FU Qiang, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, visited Germany and the Netherlands from December 8 to 12, advancing institutional partnerships and expanding collaboration in education and research with leading European universities.

At Goethe University Frankfurt, the delegation met with Vice President Bernhard Brüne and senior representatives from the Institute for Law and Finance and the Department of Sinology, with representatives from ZJU’s Guanghua Law School joining online. The two sides exchanged updates on institutional development and research priorities, and reached consensus on establishing an inter-university partnership, broadening areas of collaboration, and strengthening academic and cultural exchange. As part of the visit, ZJU presented Goethe University Frankfurt with A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, highlighting the role of cultural exchange as a foundation for academic cooperation.

At the University of Marburg, FU Qiang held talks with Deputy President Evelyn Korn, reviewing progress in personnel exchanges and collaborative research networks. Discussions also centered on preparations for the 20th anniversary of the ZJU–Marburg partnership in 2027. The two universities agreed to take A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings as a cultural bridge and the ZJU–Germany Forum on Sustainable Development as a platform to jointly plan interdisciplinary initiatives, including activities in digital humanities.

The delegation also visited the University of Bayreuth, where FU Qiang met with Vice President Nina Nestler and Philipp Dengel, Director of the Bavarian University Center for China (BayCHINA). Both sides noted strong alignment in strategic development and expressed interest in expanding joint teaching and research projects. Exchanges also addressed broader Sino-German cooperation in higher education. During the visit, the two universities held an academic dialogue in polymer science and engineering, and the delegation toured key laboratories and the Bayreuth Center for Material Science and Engineering.

On December 10, the delegation held a working meeting with RWTH Aachen University to discuss preparations for the Sixth ZJU–Germany Forum on Sustainable Development in 2026, which will also mark the 40th anniversary of the institutional partnership between the two universities. Representatives from RWTH Aachen University’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, and International Office attended the meeting. Both sides agreed to deepen coordination on forum organization and explore cooperation in long-term overseas training programs for administrative staff and joint research seed funding initiatives.

In the Netherlands, the delegation visited Tilburg University, where FU Qiang met with Rector Magnificus Wim van de Donk. The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding, formally establishing an inter-university partnership. Building on existing cooperation in management, economics, and data science, both sides agreed to expand collaboration in faculty and student exchanges, joint degree programs, and co-hosted academic events, while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, global governance, innovation and entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

During the visit, the delegation also toured academic facilities at partner universities and met with ZJU alumni in Frankfurt, Aachen, and Tilburg, conveying greetings from the university and reaffirming ZJU’s commitment to global engagement through education, research, and cultural exchange.

Source: Global ZJU
Translator: FANG Fumin
Editor: HAN Xiao