Chen Rui, vice-president of Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), led a delegation to South Africa from Sept 28 to Oct 2, where they held exchange meetings with the University of South Africa and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and paid a visit to the Chinese Embassy in South Africa.
Chen Rui and her delegation held a discussion with Magano, vice-president of the University of South Africa. Both sides introduced the history, disciplinary structure, and educational features of their respective institutions while recounting the achievements resulting from their cooperation in the field of energy. They also discussed scientific research collaboration in areas such as energy, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, as well as the establishment of joint laboratories, joint cultivation of high-level talent, and faculty and student exchanges. Both sides expressed hopes of deepening and expanding their partnership.
Chen Rui meets with representative of the University of South Africa. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Chen Rui visits the University of South Africa. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
Chen Rui and her delegation also held a discussion with the NRF. The two sides introduced their respective institutions and discussed future joint research projects in fields such as new energy, energy storage, civil engineering, transportation, the environment, and architecture. They also discussed the possibility of establishing a funding-matching mechanism, carrying out joint doctoral training, and launching exchange programs for young scientists.
Chen Rui holds a discussion with the National Research Foundation of South Africa. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
During the visit, Chen Rui paid a visit to Chen Jingquan, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, and briefed him on the progress HIT has made in strengthening international exchanges and cooperation.
She expressed the hope that, with the support of the embassy, HIT can work with South African universities and research institutions to carry out more cooperation in scientific research and joint talent cultivation.
Chen Jingquan said the embassy would support HIT in developing broader and deeper cooperation with South African universities and research institutions.
Chen Rui meets with Chen Jingquan. [Photo/hit.edu.cn]
The delegation also conducted a field visit to the HySA Systems Competence Centre, established under the South African Institute for Advanced Materials Chemistry (SAIAMC) at the University of the Western Cape.
Editor: Yang Wenyu