Beihang University Hangzhou International Campus celebrated the official launch of its Industrial Science Laboratory on March 9, marking a milestone in the institution’s commitment to fostering outstanding engineers and advancing the integration of industry, academia, and research.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Hervé Riou, Honorary President of the Union des Professeurs de Sciences et Techniques Industrielles (UPSTI), Florent Le Bourhis, current President of UPSTI, Pan Changqing, Director of the Higher Education Division (Exchange and Cooperation Division) of Hangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, Hong Guanxin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Dean of Hangzhou International Innovation Institute, and Frédéric Genty, French Director of the Sino-French Engineer School at Beihang University. Witnessed by faculty and students, Florent Le Bourhis and Frédéric Genty unveiled the plaque for the Industrial Science Laboratory.
In his address, Florent Le Bourhis underscored the significance of industrial science as the cornerstone of French engineering education. “This laboratory is not just a technological hub but also a bridge for cultural exchange between China and France,” he said. He expressed his hope that it would become an innovative workshop for students and faculty from both countries to explore the future of industry.
Frédéric Genty reflected on the laboratory's 18-month development journey from concept to reality, noting its potential to immerse students in real-world industrial challenges.
Pan Changqing highlighted Hangzhou’s unique blend of historical heritage and modern innovation, emphasizing the city’s dedication to integrating education with technological advancement. “The Industrial Science Laboratory embodies this vision,” he said. “It is a call to action for universities and schools to create practical education bases that align with modern industrialization and local economic needs, driving regional transformation.”
Zhang Wei, Vice Dean of the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute, elaborated on the laboratory’s design, which features four modules and eight scenarios tailored to cultivate students’ ability to tackle complex problems. “Our goal is not just to teach students how to use equipment but to empower them to create value in fields like transportation, healthcare, and energy,” he explained.
The event also featured a student innovation exhibition, where 17 projects designed for the French Industrial Science Olympiad were displayed. Through physical models, dynamic demonstrations, and poster presentations, students showcased the fruits of Sino-French collaboration, blending creativity with technical expertise.
One standout project was an intelligent bus seat equipped with a micro-vibration power generation device. Students demonstrated how piezoelectric materials could harness bus vibrations to generate electricity, powering onboard electronic devices. Pan Changqing, after experiencing the demonstration, praised the students’ ingenuity, calling it a transformative idea that turns “wasted vibrations” into a “city microgrid.”
The establishment of the laboratory is supported by a robust international faculty. Prior to its launch, Hervé Riou and Florent Le Bourhis conducted comprehensive training for teachers, covering curriculum design, equipment operation, and cross-cultural classroom management. Starting this September, students will work on real industry challenges under the guidance of these seasoned professionals.
The Industrial Science Laboratory is poised to become a catalyst for local industry-academia integration. By collaborating with universities, schools, and enterprises, it aims to break down barriers in education and research, promote industrial science education, and drive the transformation of research outcomes into practical solutions. Leveraging Beihang University’s academic strengths, the laboratory will align with Hangzhou’s digital economy and high-end manufacturing needs, injecting innovative momentum into the region’s economic transformation.
Editor: Lyu Xingyun
