HSE University Enhances Cooperation with Top Universities in China

A delegation from HSE University paid a working visit to China, meeting with representatives from leading universities in Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Delegates from several HSE departments, including the International College of Economics and Finance, the Faculty of Computer Science, the Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technology, the Institute of Education, and the International Partnerships Office, attended the visit. Discussions at each university focused on expanding current cooperation and identifying and creating new projects and initiatives.

‘All the universities included in the programme of the visit are not only leading educational institutions in China and around the world, but also outstanding research centres in fields such as artificial intelligence, mathematics, education, economics, finance, Earth sciences, sustainable development, and low-carbon development management. Cooperation with some of these partner universities has been ongoing for decades. The goal of this visit was to hold specialised meetings with Chinese colleagues to jointly develop specific research projects, explore the possibility of establishing double-degree programmes and joint schools, as well as holding seminars in related fields,’ said Sofia Sadikova, Deputy Head of the International Partnerships Office.

In Hangzhou, the Russian delegation was warmly welcomed by Zhejiang University, one of the leading universities in the country. The parties discussed trends in student exchanges, internships, and summer schools, as well as potential topics for joint lectures, seminars, and conferences on sustainable development, higher education, and computer technology. They also outlined further steps for deepening cooperation. The working programme included a tour of the Museum of Science and Technology, where the university showcased its latest achievements in aeromechanics, environmental protection and resource management, medicine, and energy.

During the trip to Nanjing, the HSE representatives visited both campuses of Nanjing University (founded in 1902). The campuses in China are impressive in size and have a complex infrastructure that makes them feel like a city within a city, providing a comfortable environment not only for studying but also for living.

The discussion at Nanjing University centred around the potential for building bilateral relations in higher education considering Chinese educational practices, opportunities for joint research in artificial intelligence and digital literacy, as well as academic and student exchange programmes in key areas of knowledge, particularly in the fields of energy and low-carbon development.

In today's world, with climate change becoming more prominent, the issue of low-carbon development has become increasingly relevant, says Natallia Zhalniarovich, Deputy Dean of the HSE Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technology. ‘Cooperation between universities in Russia and China in this field not only strengthens academic ties but also promotes the use of scientific approaches to developing strategies and mechanisms for achieving carbon neutrality. An example of this approach in studying the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in urban ecosystem greening is the Eddy Covariance system located on the roof of the School of Geography and Ocean Science at Nanjing University. This system allows Chinese colleagues and students to monitor the flows of greenhouse gas, energy and momentum between model ecosystems and the atmosphere. Thus, through research, education, international partnerships, and innovation, universities in Russia and China play a key role in training a new generation of professionals who will be able to successfully implement low-carbon strategies in their country’s economy,’ summarised Natallia Zhalniarovich.

The last city on the itinerary was Shanghai, where several local educational institutions have long-standing friendly relations with HSE University. During their visit, the HSE delegation met with representatives from Fudan University, Shanghai University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and East China Normal University.

Vladimir Sokolov, Head of the International Laboratory of Financial Economics at the HSE International College of Economics and Finance, stressed that universities play an important role in the economic dialogue between Russia and China. They contribute to the development of strategic partnerships and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. ‘Universities in Russia and China serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and innovations, which promotes the development of human capital and the emergence of technological start-ups that are essential for both countries. Joint educational programmes and scientific projects can open up new opportunities for professors, students, and graduates, as well as deepen economic relations, strengthen ties and enhance mutual understanding between Russia and China,’ emphasised Vladimir Sokolov.

‘Chinese and Russian universities have a long tradition of strong training in computer science and artificial intelligence for their students. Participants from our countries regularly achieve outstanding results in programming and mathematics competitions around the world. Developing student exchanges and establishing educational double-degree programmes will enrich the learning experiences of students from both nations,’ says Tamara Voznesenskaya, Associate Professor of the Big Data and Information Retrieval School at the HSE Faculty of Computer Science, Academic Supervisor of the Data Science and Business Analytics Programme.

‘Moreover, Russian and Chinese universities have shared research interests, particularly in the field of bioinformatics. The Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, for example, has a team of scientists who work on similar projects to those of the International Laboratory of Bioinformatics at the HSE Faculty of Computer Science. We hope that this visit will pave the way for fruitful collaboration between researchers in both countries.’

All faculties, schools, and departments of HSE University are actively engaged in ongoing interaction with Chinese universities. This includes academic mobility programmes, both semester-long and thematic school formats. For example, in early July 2024, the XI International Russian-Chinese Summer School on International Relations ‘Partnership and Cooperation in a New World Order’ was held in Moscow. The event brought together professors and students from East China Normal University, Fudan University, and Nanjing University. During the autumn semester, students from these and other Chinese institutions will come to HSE University, while HSE students will travel to China.