HKUST(GZ) and University of Bologna Hold Working Meeting to Initiate Comprehensive Cooperation
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and the University of Bologna have forged three strategic cooperation agreements aimed at enhancing international academic collaboration. Effective from February 19, these agreements focus on institutional partnerships, student exchanges, academic visits, and joint research initiatives. The implementation of the agreements was discussed during a virtual meeting between representatives from both universities.
Key participants included HKUST(GZ) President Prof. Lionel M. Ni, Vice-President (Administration & Business) Prof. Ting Chuen Pong, Dean of the Information Hub Prof. Lei Chen, Dean of the Systems Hub Prof. Shi-Wei Lee and Head of the Global Affairs Department, Mr. Jing Fu. The University of Bologna was represented by Prof. Raffaella Campaner, Vice Rector for International Relations, along with faculty members Prof. Serena Ceola from the Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, and Prof. Luca De Marchi and Prof. Elena Gnani from the Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering.
Prof. Campaner expressed enthusiasm for the swift establishment of the partnership and emphasized the meeting as a celebration of the signed agreements and a platform for exploring their implementation in research and education. President Lionel M. Ni acknowledged the University of Bologna’s leadership for their quick response in finalizing the agreements since his visit in October, reflecting a mutual commitment to their respective missions.
President Ni emphasized that HKUST(GZ) is currently developing a three-year action plan (2026-2028), and that the practical outcomes of cooperation with the University of Bologna will play a crucial role in establishing the institution as a world-class research university.
He also highlighted the increasing interest from Italian and European industries in collaborating with HKUST(GZ) and expressed optimism for international academia-industry cooperation opportunities.
Vice-President Ting Chuen Pong emphasized HKUST(GZ)’s interdisciplinary strengths will be a complementary to University of Bologna’s advantages in teaching and learning.
He anticipated fruitful discussions in teaching, research, and student exchanges between the two universities.
Professor Serena Ceola provided an overview of the University of Bologna, highlighting its five campuses and 31 departments. She emphasized the university's status as one of Italy's premier institutions and noted the wide range of programs offered in both English and Italian, as well as its extensive global partnerships.
Professor Elena Gnani shared insights about the Advanced Research Center on Electronic Systems (ARCES) at Bologna and expressed her aspirations for establishing a collaborative laboratory in partnership with HKUST(GZ).
Professor Luca De Marchi elaborated on the EIT4SEMM doctoral program, which focuses on unmanned sensing and the design of underwater drones. He conveyed a strong interest in pursuing joint doctoral training and collaborative research projects with HKUST(GZ).
Prof. Lei Chen introduced HKUST(GZ)’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and Analytics undergraduate programs and opportunities for international students to participate in the Redbird Cross Campus Study Program under the "Unified HKUST, Complementary Campuses" initiative.
Prof. Shi-Wei Lee conveyed gratitude to the Bologna representatives and outlined HKUST(GZ)’s ambitions to become a world-leading research university. He emphasized a commitment to advancing international collaborations in education and research.
How we got here
The roots of collaboration trace back to October 2024, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, when President Ni led a delegation to the University of Bologna. Extensive discussions took place with Vice Rectors Raffaella Campaner and Roberto Vecchi, covering institutional histories, educational philosophies, strengths, and international strategies. This dialogue led to an agreement on initial collaborations in AI and climate change, alongside plans for student exchanges, academic conferences, and thematic research platforms.
This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering international academic ties and enhancing research collaboration between the two universities.
