From December 9 to 15, Beihang President Wang Yunpeng led a delegation to France and Austria, conducting visits to key partner universities, research institutions, enterprises, and international organizations. The trip aims to strengthen collaboration and lay the foundation for further partnerships across academia, research, and industry.
The Beihang-Europe Cooperation Committee, established in 2023, serves as a key advisory body for enhancing cooperation with leading European universities, research institutions, and enterprises. During the visit, Wang Yunpeng and Gérard Creuzet, a member of the French Academy of Engineering and co-chair of the committee, co-hosted the committee's second plenary meeting. The meeting reviewed progress over the past year, including advancements in Sino-European educational programs and the development of the Hangzhou International Campus.
During the meeting, the 2025 agenda was outlined, emphasizing expanding European partner networks, deepening Sino-European research collaboration, promoting the integration of industry and education, and strengthening the Hangzhou platforms. Wang Yunpeng highlighted the strategic role of the committee in enhancing Beihang’s international collaboration, particularly with long-standing partners such as France and Germany, while exploring new partnerships in Southern and Eastern Europe. He stressed the importance of addressing practical challenges in international cooperation to further advance Beihang’s global engagement. The committee also welcomed Javier Uceda, former president of Madrid Polytechnic University, as a new member.
In Paris, the delegation visited ESPCI Paris, Dassault Systèmes Headquarters, and Paris-Saclay University. At ESPCI Paris, Wang Yunpeng and President Vincent Croquette signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration in research, credit recognition, and student exchanges. Both sides agreed to conduct interdisciplinary research in chemistry, energy, and materials, jointly train dual master’s degree students annually, and hold regular summer exchange programs at the Hangzhou International Campus to cultivate high-end talents with a global vision.
At Dassault Systèmes Headquarters, the delegation explored the 3D Experience Platform, where Wang Yunpeng and Grégory Abate, Secretary-General of Dassault Systèmes, signed a strategic cooperation memorandum. The agreement focuses on building a digital research and education platform and an innovation center at the Hangzhou International Campus, with joint research efforts in areas such as the industrial metaverse, AI and simulation, digital healthcare, integrated circuits, and the low-altitude economy.
At Paris-Saclay University, Wang Yunpeng signed a scholarship agreement with Pascal Massart, President of the Jacques Hadamard Mathematics Foundation (FMJH), to provide scholarships for Beihang undergraduates pursuing master’s degrees in France over the next five years.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Beihang’s strategic partnership with the Groupe des Écoles Centrales. In Paris, Wang Yunpeng met with Romain Soubeyran, President of CentraleSupélec and Chairman of the Groupe des Écoles Centrales, to celebrate key achievements, including the establishment of theBeihang-Centrale Carbon Neutrality Research Center. They held the 32nd joint management committee meeting of the Sino-French Engineer Institute, reflecting on the success of two high-quality academic forums and discussing plans to expand international student enrollment, deepen industry-academia collaboration, and foster interdisciplinary innovation.
During his stay, Wang Yunpeng also paid visits to renowned experts and scholars such as Academician Albert Fert, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, and Academician Michel Talagrand, the winner of the Abel Prize.
In Toulouse, the delegation visited INSA Toulouse and ENAC (French Civil Aviation University). At INSA Toulouse, Wang Yunpeng and President Bertrand Raquet signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research in carbon neutrality and circular economy. The agreement promotes faculty exchanges, joint laboratories, and bilateral conferences. At ENAC, Wang Yunpeng met with Olivier Chansou, President of ENAC, and participated in the third joint management committee meeting of the Sino-French Aviation Institute. Discussions focused on expanding graduate programs, optimizing curricula, and leveraging Hangzhou’s resources to enhance educational quality.
In Austria, Wang Yunpeng visited the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and renewed a memorandum of understanding with Deputy Director-General Karen Lips. The agreement focuses on joint research into global energy, air pollution, and climate change, leveraging Beihang’s strengths in AI, big data, and complex systems.
At the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wang Yunpeng met Liu Hua and Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Directors General of IAEA, Deng Ge, Director of Division for Asia and the Pacific of the Department of Technical Cooperation IAEA, and Liu Guanghui, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to discuss collaboration in technical cooperation and education. The two sides agreed to establish a joint working group to promote internships for Beihang students, create a regional medical physics training center, and launch a joint master’s program.
At the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Wang Yunpeng met Director Aarti Holla Maini. Building on the success of the 10th anniversary of the Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (China) (Affiliated to the United Nations), the two sides agreed to co-host a global “Space Summit” in 2027 and strengthen collaboration in the fields of space science and education.
During their stay in Europe, the delegation met with Ambassador Li Song at the Permanent Mission of China in Vienna. They held discussions on expanding the university’s cooperation with international organizations, advancing technological collaboration with Austria, and promoting cultural exchanges. Wang Yunpeng also met with students and alumni representatives in Paris, Toulouse, and Vienna. He engaged in cordial conversations, learning about their experiences studying and working abroad, and encouraged them to remain connected to their homeland, work diligently, and serve as ambassadors of friendship, contributing actively to Beihang University’s deepened collaborations in Europe.
This visit marks a key step in implementing Beihang University’s UPS international strategy. The delegation visited nine universities, research institutions, international organizations, and enterprises across France and Austria, participated in 13 bilateral activities, and signed five cooperation agreements. The visit consolidated partnerships with France, deepened collaborations with Austrian partners, and yielded fruitful outcomes. It significantly contributed to expanding Beihang’s European collaboration network, promoting high-quality international cooperation, and enhancing the university’s global influence.
Editor: Lu Meili
Source: International Relations Department
