ZJU and EPFL seek to strengthen research and academic ties

A delegation from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), led by Associate Vice President David Atienza Alonso, visited Zhejiang University (ZJU) on September 23. Vice President Chen Gang met with the delegation.

Chen Gang recalled the meeting between the presidents of the two universities on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting 2026 of the World Economic Forum this January, describing the delevation’s visit as an important follow-up to their high-level dialogue. Noting that both ZJU and EPFL are research-intensive universities with a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, he highlighted the potential for closer collaboration in areas such as integrated circuits, biomedicine and artificial intelligence. He expressed hope that the two institutions would establish student exchange mechanisms, strengthen research collaboration and joint talent development in priority areas, and advance concrete collaborative projects.

Atienza thanked ZJU for its warm hospitality and shared insights into EPFL’s efforts to develop research centers and technology platforms, foster interdisciplinary research, and expand international partnerships. He expressed interest in building on the two universities’ complementary strengths and resources to identify priority areas for cooperation and establish support mechanisms for closer collaboration in research, education and innovation.

Ahead of the meeting, Liang Junying, Director of ZJU’s Office of Global Engagement, chaired a discussion on academic collaboration. Representatives from the College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, the College of Control Science and Engineering, the College of Computer Science and Technology, the College of Integrated Circuits, and the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences highlighted their respective academic strengths, existing ties with EPFL, and prospects for future cooperation. Both sides exchanged views on faculty and student exchanges, joint education programs, collaboration between research platforms, and support mechanisms for joint projects.

During their visit, the delegation also toured the Future Learning Center and the Zhejiang University-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, gaining insights into the university’s efforts to advance smart education, develop research infrastructure, and translate research outcomes into practical applications.

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