Zhang Liqun attends the Forum of Chinese and European Technological Universities.

Zhang Liqun, president of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was invited to attend the Forum of Chinese and European Technological Universities on Dec 2 in Spain, where he delivered a speech focusing on research commercialization.

The forum brought together Huai Jinpeng, China's Minister of Education, and Juan Cruz Cigudosa, Spanish Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities. Representatives of 25 universities across seven countries participated in discussions on talent cultivation and scientific research commercialization related to engineering and technology.

Zhang highlighted XJTU's practices and innovations in transforming research into practical applications. He introduced the university's establishment of the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbour and efforts to explore a new model for building world-class universities in the 21st century. Using the strengths of both universities and enterprises, XJTU promotes deep industry-academia collaboration, emphasizing enterprise-led initiatives. Joint teams of scientists and engineers facilitate the entire process from scientific research to pilot testing and application. Financial capital is also integrated to accelerate the commercialization of technological achievements.

In addition, Zhang met with María del Rosario, vice-rector of Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), who warmly welcomed the delegation. She noted the longstanding collaboration between the two universities since the early 1990s.

The two universities signed an academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation agreement and explored pathways to enhance international student exchanges and faculty research collaboration.

On Dec 3, Zhang visited the Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Materials (IMDEA Materials). Jose Manuel Torralba, director of the Institute, and Javier Llorca, scientific director of the Institute, extended a warm welcome, introduced the Institute, reflected on the history of the two parties' collaboration, and expressed a strong interest in advancing academic and research partnerships with XJTU.

During the meeting, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to establish academic exchanges and collaboration. Additionally, Wang Deyi, head of the Novel Materials Division at IMDEA Materials, received the honorary professorship of XJTU.

On the same day, Zhang met with Yao Jing, the Chinese Ambassador to Spain. Ambassador Yao welcomed Zhang's delegation, provided an overview of China-Spain relations, and praised XJTU's contributions to international education and the integration of industry and education.

Founded in 1499, UCM is Spain's oldest and largest university, offering the most comprehensive range of disciplines. With a student population of 130,000, it ranks third globally in size and has produced seven Nobel laureates.

IMDEA Materials is a public research center established by Madrid's regional government. It conducts cutting-edge fundamental research in materials science and is recognized as a national center of excellence.