Source: International Exchange and Cooperation Office

Author: Xu Fei

Photographer: Li Xue

Date: November 11, 2025

Editor: Li Weimiao

From November 3 to 7, 2025, a delegation from Jinan University, led by Vice President Hong An, conducted working visits to Switzerland and Italy. The delegation engaged in extensive exchanges with universities, research institutions, international organizations, local government bodies, and overseas Chinese community representatives in both countries. The visits aimed to explore new pathways for scientific research collaboration and advance cooperation in education and knowledge transfer.

During the stay in Switzerland, the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate General in Zurich, briefing them on the university's collaborative efforts with Swiss partners. The delegation also visited the University of Basel and its University Hospital. Seven thematic discussions were held, focusing on potential collaboration in life sciences, basic and clinical medicine, nanoscience, and sports science, with plans to promote joint international research in these areas. Both sides agreed to commence with student exchanges and joint research projects, aiming to formalize a cooperation agreement within the year and gradually expand to substantive multidisciplinary collaboration.

Furthermore, the delegation held talks with a team of experts from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Faculty teams from relevant schools of Jinan University presented their profiles and research priorities via video link, laying a solid foundation for future scientific cooperation.

In Rome, Italy, the delegation visited the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture. The two sides exchanged views on topics including international relations and food security, reaching preliminary consensus on collaboration related to Jinan University's Joint Laboratory for the Belt and Road Initiative. The delegation also explored possibilities for talent development and joint research with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

(Image: Vice President Hong An (left) of Jinan University with Prof. Primo Schär, Vice President for Research of the University of Basel)

The delegation was received by the Rome Municipal Government, holding discussions with local officials on deepening educational and cultural exchanges between China and Italy. During a visit to the Chinese Embassy in Italy, Vice President Hong An outlined the university's commitment to serving overseas and compatriot students, expressing the willingness to strengthen cooperation with overseas Chinese organizations to promote the development of Chinese language education. The delegation also discussed topics such as Chinese language education development with the principal of a local Chinese school in Rome.

Throughout the visit, the delegation met with alumni representatives in both Switzerland and Italy, updating them on the university's latest developments and discussing the strengthening of alumni networks.

The delegation included the Dean of the College of Life Science and Technology, the Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Research Office, and a Section Chief from the International Exchange and Cooperation Office of Jinan University.