HKUST (GZ) & Italian Institutions Sign Agreements
From September 30 to October 2, a delegation led by Professor Lionel M. Ni, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) , visited Italy to enhance academic partnerships. Significant agreements were established with Politecnico di Milano and the National Inter-university Consortium for Energy and Electrical Power Systems (EnSiEL), emphasizing academic exchanges and collaborative research.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with several prominent institutions, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), University of Bologna, and Sapienza University of Rome. Discussions with the Italian National Interuniversity Consortium for Informatics (CINI) resulted in agreements aimed at fostering further collaboration. A global talent forum in Milan also attracted over 50 experts and scholars.
On September 30 in Rome, President Ni signed a memorandum of understanding with Professor Massimo Pompili, a member of EnSiEL’s Board of Directors, to promote academic exchanges and joint projects over the next three years. The focus will be on sustainable development and technological innovation. Other members of the HKUST(GZ) delegation, including Prof. Marco Maccioni, Prof. Cristina Moscatiello, Prof. Luigi Calcara, and Dr. Simona Eco, were present at the signing.
President Ni highlighted HKUST(GZ)'s commitment to leveraging advanced technological innovations to tackle pressing global challenges, particularly in energy and climate issues, which align closely with EnSiEL's mission. This memorandum marks a significant step toward collaborative efforts in sustainable development and technological advancement.
Later that day, President Ni and his team met with Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, to explore potential collaborations in sustainable development, climate change, and green city initiatives. They also discussed enhancing student internship opportunities and expressed mutual interest in formalizing a memorandum of understanding soon. President Ni reiterated the university’s dedication to global partnerships aimed at enriching students' international experiences and supporting the FAO's efforts toward the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He formally invited Dr. Qu to visit HKUST(GZ).
FAO representatives included Director of Cabinet Godfrey Magwenzi, Director of Corporate Communications Yasmina Bouziane, Director of Food Systems and Food Safety Corinna Hawkes, Director of Climate Change Kaveh Zahedi, Senior Programme Officer Nafis Khan, and Secretary of the Programme Committee Jiani Tian.
On October 1, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, the HKUST(GZ) delegation had fruitful discussions with representatives from three prestigious Italian universities in Bologna, Milan, and Rome.
At the University of Bologna, President Ni met with Prof. Raffaella Campaner, Vice Rector for International Relations, and Prof. Roberto Vecchi, Vice Rector for Teaching and Education. They exchanged insights on their respective histories and educational philosophies, agreeing to initiate academic exchanges and collaborative research in artificial intelligence and climate change, as well as to establish thematic research platforms.
University of Bologna attendees included Prof. Ugo del Lago, Prof. Alberto Montanari, Prof. Serena Ceola, Prof. Elena Gnani, Prof. Luca de Marchi, and Prof. Davide Rossi.
In the afternoon, President Ni led the delegation to Politecnico di Milano for a working meeting with Professor Giuliano Noci, Deputy Rector for China. After a comprehensive discussion of their educational philosophies and strengths, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate joint conferences, summer camps, international internships, and collaborative research projects.
Attendees from Politecnico di Milano included Professors Marco Imperadori, Cristina Silvano, Giovanni Lonati, and Francesca Andrich, head of the International Relations Unit.
On the morning of October 1, Prof. Hui Xiong, Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer), led discussions at Sapienza University of Rome with Vice Rector for International Affairs and Outreach, Professor Giuseppe Ciccarone. The two sides identified significant opportunities for collaboration in computer science, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and smart manufacturing.
Sapienza attendees included Alessandro Corsini, Chairman of the Board of Professors of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Dean Prof. Weijia Wen, Associate Professor Agostina Chiavola, and Professor Ye Qi. Giovanni Maria Vianello, Director of International Affairs at Sapienza, expressed admiration for HKUST(GZ)'s interdisciplinary academic framework and encouraged student exchange programs.
On October 2, President Ni met with Professor Stefano Russo, Vice President of CINI, to discuss practical cooperation.
The visit culminated in a talent fair in Milan, where President Ni, Luigi Gambardella (President of ChinaEU), and Professor Stefano Russo delivered remarks. The event, hosted by Professor Ye Qi, featured presentations from HKUST(GZ) faculty highlighting the university’s strategic advantages and academic strengths.
Supported by the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, ChinaEU, and local student associations, the event attracted over 50 Italian experts and Chinese doctoral and postdoctoral students, who gained insights into HKUST(GZ)’s educational philosophy and talent policies. Many expressed interest in joining HKUST(GZ) for teaching and research opportunities.
