ZJU and Marburg University explore deeper ties ahead of milestone anniversaries

A delegation from Philipps-Universität Marburg (Marburg University) in Germany, led by Evelyn Korn, Deputy President and Vice President for University Culture and Quality, visited Zhejiang University (ZJU) on September 24.

Fu Qiang, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang University Council, met with the delegation. He recalled his visit to Marburg University last December and highlighted ZJU’s latest initiatives in talent development, fundamental research, interdisciplinary innovation, and the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and research. He expressed hope that the two universities would strengthen faculty and student exchanges and deepen research collaboration through joint projects.

Fu Qiang noted that 2027 would mark three significant milestones: the 500th anniversary of Marburg University, the 130th anniversary of Zhejiang University, and the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the two institutions. He looked forward to the two universities marking these milestones with a series of joint academic, cultural and youth exchange activities.

Evelyn Korn thanked ZJU for its warm hospitality and expressed her pleasure at returning to Hangzhou with a delegation. She welcomed Fu Qiang’s proposals for closer cooperation, shared plans for Marburg University’s 500th anniversary celebrations, and invited ZJU representatives to visit Marburg. She also expressed interest in further discussions on the future of internationalization in higher education.

Against the backdrop of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and an evolving global landscape, Evelyn Korn underscored the importance of sustained research collaboration and academic exchange between universities. She expressed hope that summer programs, academic lectures, and faculty and student exchanges would help translate the institutional partnership into more vibrant and enduring academic ties.

During the meeting, representatives from the two universities in economics, geography and law shared updates on their teaching and research activities and explored opportunities for academic collaboration and faculty and student exchanges.

The delegation also visited ZJU’s Future Learning Center and Museum of Art and Archaeology.

Adapted and translated from the article written by Zheng Qi
Translator: Fang Fumin
Editor: Ding Chenwei