From May 11 to 14, a delegation led by Beihang Vice President Deng Yi visited France to advance the university's global engagement strategy and deepen Sino-French collaboration in science and education.

The delegation visited the École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC) and Centrale Méditerranée, and met with students and alumni in France, achieving productive outcomes. The delegation included representatives from the School of Mathematical Sciences, the School of Aviation, and the Office of Alumni Relations.

In Toulouse, the delegation met with Olivier Chansou, Director-General of ENAC, Jordan Morisseau, Head of the Beihang-ENAC Development Program, and Thierry de Basquiat, Director of ENAC's Flight School. Discussions focused on comprehensively strengthening institutional cooperation, expanding dual-degree programs, and creating new channels for student internships and practical training. The two sides reached broad consensus on advancing industry-academia-research collaboration in aviation and deepening the joint cultivation of aviation professionals. During the visit, the two flight schools signed a framework agreement on faculty and student exchanges and held in-depth talks on specialized course development and laboratory co-construction.

In Marseille, the delegation held talks with Carole Deumié, Director of Centrale Méditerranée, Olivier Boiron, Director of International Relations, and Emmy Arts, Head of International Student Affairs. Vice President Deng Yi provided an overview of Beihang's latest developments, international cooperation framework, and academic achievements. The two parties explored institutional collaboration, student exchange programs, and joint faculty research initiatives. Both sides reached a consensus on signing a university-level framework cooperation agreement and a student exchange agreement, laying a solid foundation for future partnership.

During the visit, the delegation met with Beihang students studying in Toulouse and Marseille. The students shared their academic experiences and offered suggestions on curriculum design and training models. Vice President Deng Yi spoke with each student, learning about their daily life and study challenges, and engaging in detailed discussions on internship opportunities and career planning.

The delegation also held discussions with Beihang alumni in Toulouse, aiming to strengthen connections among alumni across different cities and industries in France as well as in neighboring countries through the alumni association. The meetings sought to improve information exchange between China and France and build a platform for mutual support and development between overseas alumni and their alma mater.

This visit marks a significant step in Beihang's efforts to advance the "Global Beihang" initiative, implement the "UPS" international strategy, and optimize the university's cooperation landscape with Europe. It further solidifies the foundation of collaboration with French institutions and injects new momentum into deepening Sino-French coordination and innovation in education, science and technology, and talent development.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun