HKUST(GZ) Partners with Three Greek Universities

Following a visit to Italian institutions, Professor Lionel M. Ni, President of HKUST (GZ), led a delegation to Greece on October 3-4. The delegation met with Chinese Ambassador to Greece, Junzheng Xiao, and signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Patras.

In-depth discussions were also held with the University of Athens and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), resulting in agreements to enhance collaboration. And a luncheon aimed at promoting talent policies was held during the visit.

The delegation included faculty members: Prof. Hui Xiong, Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer); Prof. Weijia Wen, Dean of the Function Hub; Prof. Ye Qi, Acting Dean of the Society Hub; Prof. Jiang Xu, Thrust Head of the Microelectronics Thrust; Prof. Shuncheng Lee, Acting Thrust Head of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Dr. Yu Huang, head of the Integrative Administration Department, Mr. Jing Fu, Head of the Global Affairs Department.

On October 3, President Ni met with Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations, and Extroversion at the University of Athens, along with Professor Andreas Papandreou from the Department of Economics. They discussed institutional strengths and cooperation priorities, particularly focusing on student exchanges and joint research in climate change and sustainability.

Later that day, the delegation visited NTUA, engaging with Rector Chatjigeorgiou K. Ioannis and various vice rectors, including Professor Varvarigos Emmanouil for Research, Innovation, and Extroversion; Professor Lagaros Nikolaos for Finance, Infrastructure, and Development; Professor Psarrakos Panagiotis for Administrative and Student Affairs; and Professor Zisis Athanasios for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Education.

Discussions centered on collaboration in environmental technology, sustainable development, and innovation, with plans for a reciprocal visit by NTUA on the horizon.

On October 4, a MOU was signed between President Ni and Rector Christos Bouras from the University of Patras, focusing on student exchanges and joint research.  Rector Christos Bouras and Professor Dionissios Mantzavinos, Vice Rector for Academic and International Affairs joined a luncheon hosted by HKUST (GZ).

During the luncheon, President Ni emphasized the cultural ties between China and Greece and the importance of research universities in innovation and talent development. Prof. Hui Xiong, Associate Vice-President (Knowledge Transfer) and Professor of Practice Theo Papatheodorou introduced HKUST (GZ). Former MEP George Kyrtsos, Professor Amalia Karagouni from the University of Athens and Dr. Christos Vlachos from Silky Finance attended the luncheon.

At the same day, President Ni visited the Chinese Embassy in Greece, welcomed by Ambassador Junzheng Xiao, who highlighted the strategic significance of educational exchange. President Ni expressed gratitude for the embassy’s support and outlined HKUST (GZ)’s vision for global collaboration. The meeting included education section chief the Embassy Ying Wang.