Publisher: International Exchange and Cooperation Office 

Date: January 12, 2024

From December 1st to 10th, a high-profile delegation led by Ye Wenchai, former Vice President of JNU and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Pharmaceutical Optimization, embarked on a transformative journey across Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia. The delegation's mission was to forge strategic partnerships with esteemed higher education institutions, engage with Chinese diplomatic representatives, overseas Chinese communities, and alumni, and host a groundbreaking overseas talent recruitment fair aimed at fostering international collaboration in the realm of biomedicine.

The delegation's itinerary included visits to renowned universities in Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia, where fruitful discussions and agreements were reached to bolster academic cooperation and research endeavors. At the University of Geneva in Switzerland, collaborative efforts in the field of medicine and health were at the forefront of discussions, paving the way for future pharmaceutical collaborations between the two institutions. In Austria, at the University of Innsbruck, plans for joint training programs for graduate and high-level talents in biomedicine were deliberated upon, signaling a promising partnership on the horizon. The delegation's visit to Rijeka University in Croatia culminated in a momentous memorandum of cooperation signing ceremony, underscoring the commitment to advancing collaborative initiatives in medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

(JNU and Rijeka University sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation)

During the visit to the University of Rijeka and the University of Geneva, the delegation extended invitations to esteemed individuals, including former Vice Premier of Croatia and distinguished academic personalities, to serve as visiting professors at JNU. Ye Wenchai, in a symbolic gesture, presented appointment letters to these eminent professors, further solidifying the academic exchange between institutions.

A highlight of the delegation's journey was the special overseas talent recruitment fair held at the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien), where engaging dialogues with overseas young scholars took center stage. The fair provided a platform to showcase JNU's rich history, esteemed faculty, and academic prowess, while outlining the institution's robust talent recruitment policies and initiatives. Attendees were given insights into postdoctoral and young scholar projects, emphasizing JNU's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering international collaborations.

(Ye Wenchai presents a guest professor appointment letter to Professor Sima An Ximonici)

(Ye Wenchai presents a guest professor appointment letter to Professor Serge Rudaz at the University of Geneva)

In a bid to explore avenues for collaboration beyond academia, the delegation engaged in discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on public health initiatives and potential partnerships in the health sector. Ye Wencai emphasized the mutual allure of Chinese and European history and culture, advocating for enhanced cooperation in health sciences and scientific research exchanges to propel bilateral relations forward.

(Photo of the delegation with relevant leaders from Rijeka Medical College, Opatia Rehabilitation Center, and Croatia China Friendship Association)

The visit to the Medical School of Rijeka University provided a platform for in-depth discussions on clinical medical cooperation, with a focus on fostering student exchanges and collaborative research efforts. The delegation's interactions with key figures at the Opatia Rehabilitation Center underscored the importance of cross-cultural exchanges in traditional Chinese medicine recuperation practices.

As a testament to JNU's enduring commitment to its global community, the delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Croatia, engaged with overseas Chinese communities, and connected with alumni in Switzerland, Austria, and Croatia. These interactions not only strengthened cultural ties but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives, including the establishment of the JNU European Alumni Association.