Intensive discussions between TU Braunschweig and Tongji University in Shanghai!

Intensive discussions between TU Braunschweig and Tongji University in Shanghai!

A recent delegation trip by Professor Shouen Fang, of Tongji University Shanghai, to the Technical University of Braunschweig highlighted the 40th anniversary of their partnership. The delegation, which also included Professor Zhendong Wang, Wen Yin, Professor Liming Cai and Jiwen Su, was warmly welcomed by Professor Manfred Krafczyk, Vice President of TU Braunschweig, and Professor Vanessa Miriam Carlow. The visit, which took place in mid-June, aimed to further deepen and expand cooperation in teaching and research. This confirmed magazin.tu-braunschweig.de.

The discussions between the two universities covered the potential for joint development in areas such as architecture, sustainable urban planning and vehicle technology. A central topic was also the use of artificial intelligence in university education and research. Professor Carlow emphasized the importance of scientific dialogue and joint research projects. In addition, relevant research topics such as automated driving, electromobility and fuel cell technologies were discussed at the various research centers at TU Braunschweig, such as the Lower Saxony Research Center for Vehicle Technology (NFF).

Insights into current projects

Nadine Pieper, Managing Director of the NFF, presented the potential of the “Mobility Alley” at the research airport. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Digital Building Fabrication Laboratory (DBFL), where the special research center “Additive Manufacturing in Construction” was presented. These programs are the result of over 40 years of scientific exchange and cooperation between TU Braunschweig and Tongji University.

The cooperation between the two institutions goes back to the late 1990s, when the first doctoral students at Tongji University in Braunschweig studied. The TU Braunschweig's membership in the Chinese-German University College (CDHK) since 2004 and the student exchange in mechanical engineering and architecture since 2010 are further milestones in this partnership. In addition, a joint double master's program in mechanical engineering and automotive technology has been offered since 2010.

Promoting sustainable university partnerships

The delegation was also accompanied by a symposium that focused on the exchange of early career researchers. This event, known as the “Sino-German Early Career Researchers Symposium: Innovation and Research for Sustainable Cities”, served as a platform for young scientists to exchange ideas about research approaches and methods. Participants were 10 doctoral students from both universities, moderated by experienced professors and post-docs. Guest lectures on topics such as sustainable strategies in digital manufacturing were offered, which further promoted interdisciplinary exchange. The DAAD supports these efforts to create robust foundations for the “City of the Future” (SdZ) center and plans to expand its programs for sustainable university partnerships, as on daad.de reported.

The establishment of a cooperation office at the TU Braunschweig in the research center office is intended to promote the continuous development of exchange formats and strategic planning for future collaborations. These initiatives aim to ensure sustainable funding and development of research projects.