To further advance USTB's high-level international outreach, promote its globalization strategy, and deepen collaboration with foreign universities, a delegation led by Prof. WANG Luning, Vice President of USTB visited Austria and Germany from October 17^th to 23^rd. The visit aimed to enhance USTB's global influence and reputation. During the trip, the delegation visited the Montanuniversitaet Leoben in Austria, the Technical University of Munich, and the Sino-German Center for Science and Technology Innovation. The delegation also held meetings with USTB students studying at Leoben and alumni in Germany. Additionally, they paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Consulate General in Munich.

The visit to Montanuniversitaet Leoben

On October 18^th, Vice President WANG Luning and the delegation visited the Montanuniversitaet Leoben, where they met with Prof. Peter Moser, Rector of Montanuniversitaet Leoben. They attended the opening ceremony of the university's Hydrogen Energy Center. The two sides exchanged views on further cooperation in areas such as joint student training, research collaboration, and faculty development.

Mr. WANG highlighted the fruitful results of the partnership since its official establishment in 2015, noting significant achievements in talent cultivation and academic exchange. He emphasized the potential for further strengthening communication and collaboration, opening new chapters of cooperation across multiple fields. Rector Moser echoed WANG's sentiments, noting the long-standing friendship between the two sides. He expressed the intent to expand the scope of cooperation by signing a long-term agreement, facilitating faculty exchanges, and hosting bilateral research forums, all aimed at elevating educational cooperation to new heights.

Meeting with short-term exchange students

On October 19^th, the delegation held a meeting with students from USTB currently participating in a short-term exchange program at the Montanuniversitaet Leoben. These graduate students, now having courses there, are scheduled to complete 15 courses and earn 16 credits over the next five months.

With the support of faculty from the Leoben's Graduate School and the International Office, the students have developed detailed study and research plans and have successfully integrated them into both the academic and daily life at the university. During the meeting, the students shared their experiences in both academics and life, expressing gratitude for the care and support they received from Leoben. Prof. WANG Luning encouraged the students to make the most of this exchange opportunity to enhance their skills, cultivate a global mindset, broaden their international perspectives, and lay a solid foundation for their future contributions to China's scientific and technological development.

Meeting with alumni in Munich

On October 20^th, the delegation hosted an alumni meeting in Munich. During the event, Prof. WANG Luning shared USTB's latest developments, including achievements in teaching, research, and international cooperation. He emphasized that alumni are one of the university's most valuable resources, and their support is crucial to the continued growth and success of USTB. Alumni, he noted, provide an unshakable source of moral strength for the university. Prof. WANG encouraged alumni to continue following and supporting the USTB's progress and to actively promote the establishment of a German alumni association, contributing to USTB's internationalization.

Visit to the Institute of Metal Forming at the Technical University of Munich

On October 21^st, the delegation visited the Institute of Metal Forming at the Technical University of Munich, where they had an in-depth academic exchange with Professor Wolfram Volk, a member of the National Academy of Science and Engineering. During the discussion, both sides explored potential areas for collaboration and future development, expressing hope that this meeting would serve as a starting point for further partnership. Following this, the delegation visited the Sino-German Center for Science and Technology Innovation, where they met with General Manager TANG Zhihong. Both sides introduced their work and achievements, expressing their intent to strengthen cooperation in international education and technological innovation. They discussed exploring effective pathways for resource sharing and complementary advantages to lay a solid foundation for substantive collaboration.

Visit to the Chinese Consulate General in Munich

On October 22^nd, the delegation visited the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, where they met with Mr. LIN Kai, Acting Consul General. Prof. WANG Luning introduced USTB's collaborations with several German universities. He highlighted that, with the support of the consulate, the university aims to further strengthen educational and research cooperation with German institutions in key areas, expand multi-disciplinary collaborations, and promote the high-quality development of Sino-German higher education.

Mr. LIN Kai expressed support for USTB's ongoing initiatives to deepen cooperation with German universities and research institutions. He encouraged the university to explore new modes and areas of collaboration, enhance practical cooperation, and foster open dialogue to jointly promote mutual development.

This visit showcased USTB's commitment to international talent development and its direction for the future. It solidified and expanded the university's international collaboration network, strengthened friendships with overseas partners, and broadened opportunities for collaboration with new institutions and research organizations. Looking ahead to the 2024 "Year of Internationalization" initiative, the university will continue to embrace an open and cooperative philosophy, actively exploring new paths for international collaboration, enhancing global influence and competitiveness, and contributing to the cultivation of high-quality talent with a global horizon.

Draft: LIU Shifeng

Revision: LIU Benyue & CHENG Mingyuan