On June 16, a delegation from the French National Institute of Applied Sciences (INSA) Group visited Beihang University Hangzhou International Campus to further strengthen collaboration on the Beihang INSA Institute for Applied Sustainable Sciences and Technology (BIFAST).

The delegation included ‪Alexandra Bertron, President of INSA Toulouse, Walter Escoffier, Vice President for International Relations at INSA Toulouse, Damien Fabregue, Vice President of INSA Lyon, Laurent Gaillard, Director of French Language Program at INSA Rouen, and Laurent Bedat, former Head of the Department of Electronics and Industrial Information at INSA Rennes. They were warmly received by Zhao Weisheng, Vice President of Beihang University, and representatives from the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University (hereinafter referred to as H3I).

During their stay in Hangzhou, Shu Peidong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province, met with the delegation. They reviewed the development history of H3I since its substantive operation in 2018. Shu praised Beihang’s contributions to regional development, particularly its innovative approaches in facilitating the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. He reaffirmed Zhejiang’s full support for the construction of BIFAST and hoped that Beihang University would leverage its academic strengths and INSA’s global resources to establish an interconnected international talent cultivation model, and provide intellectual support for the development of Zhejiang and the Yangtze River Delta.

Zhao Weisheng emphasized that the construction of BIFAST could not be achieved without the strong support of the local government. Beihang University would deepen its strategic cooperation with Zhejiang Province, promote cross-cultural innovation in engineering education, and actively align with the industrial needs of Zhejiang Province to drive high-quality regional economic development.

Both sides held a special meeting on the operation of BIFAST, agreeing to establish "Applied Sustainable Science and Technology" as the core feature of the institute and to develop a curriculum system with distinctive Sino-French cultural characteristics.

The meeting also emphasized enhancing students' practical skills in engineering with modular courses, planned to set up communication and working groups, and focused on the scientific planning and high-standard construction of the project. The two sides will jointly build an international talent cultivation hub by leveraging their advantages.

Additionally, the INSA delegation, Beihang University leaders, and teacher representatives communicated with the students who will visit the INSA Group for exchange programs in September this year. They hoped that the students would fulfill their missions with "dual roles," not only representing themselves but also engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, and as the "pioneers" of the new program, set high standards for themselves. The university would provide comprehensive support for their growth.

The students expressed their anticipation about their future studies and life in France. Vice President Walter stated that the INSA Group campuses not only boast beautiful environments and complete facilities but also gather rich educational resources. He pointed out that the INSA dual-degree program courses would customize efficient learning plans, strictly aligning with local curriculum standards at the same level. Zhao Weisheng urged the students to seize the opportunity and showcase the elegant demeanour of Beihang students on the international stage.

President Alexandra and Vice President Walter also delivered an excellent lecture to high school students at Tianyuan College. The students showed keen interest in the educational model of BIFAST. Before the lecture, the INSA delegation and leaders from H3I held a discussion with the leadership of Tianyuan College.

Looking ahead, BIFAST will strive to become a new paradigm for Sino-French higher education cooperation, and establish a new benchmark for international innovative talent cultivation.

Editor: Liu Tingting