From November 14th to 16th, a delegation from the University of Evry-Paris Saclay in France visited the School of Life Science and Technology for a three-day engagement aimed at understanding the operation of the Sino-foreign cooperative education program over the past three years.

On the morning of November 14th, the delegation utilized the campus panda bus to tour the University of Science and Technology, including a visit to its History Museum. Guided by student volunteers, French faculty members became acquainted with various landmark buildings on campus. They stood in awe within the history museum, which has chronicled 70 years of development and change, witnessing firsthand the progress made by the University of Science and Technology.

In the afternoon, representatives from China and France convened for discussions in Conference Room 221 at Building East 11. The meeting included Vincent BOUHIER, Rector of Evry-Paris-Saclay; Patrick CURMI, Advisor to the Rector for Scientific Affairs; Hichem ARIOUI, Rector for International Affairs; Bénédicte STURBOIS, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; as well as Sylvain FISSON, Head of Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Program. From our side were Liu Bifeng (Secretary of Party Committee), Liu Jianfeng (Dean), Zhan Yi (Deputy Secretary of Party Committee), Chen Jun (Vice Dean), Wu Ying (Director of Party and Government Office), Liu Jianmiao (Director of International Cooperation and Exchange Office), Xia Yanzhi (Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs Section), Zhou Yu (Director of Student Affairs Office) along with all faculty involved in Sino-foreign cooperative education programs. The symposium was chaired by Professor Liu Jianmiao who also provided translation services during discussions.

On behalf of the college, Liu Bifeng warmly welcomed the French delegation. He emphasized that the University of Evry-Paris-Saclay is a vital partner for our institution. Since 2003, both universities have not only accumulated extensive experience in Sino-foreign educational cooperation but have also established a solid foundation for future collaboration. He sincerely hoped that the French delegation would closely experience the humanistic atmosphere at Huake University and further deepen their understanding of our institute.

Representing France, Vincent BOUHIER expressed gratitude to our institution and commended the development of the project. He affirmed the long-term mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between both universities. In addition to Sino-foreign cooperative education projects, he suggested establishing more collaborative links around "Bio+" in short-term exchange initiatives and applied biotechnology moving forward.

Patrick CURMI, as the founder of the Sino-foreign cooperative education program, reflected on both challenges and achievements encountered during its development. He assured that the French side would fully support project operations and welcome students to participate in summer camps and other activities in France.

Liu Jianfeng presented an overview of discipline construction within the college to his French counterparts in French, detailing aspects such as faculty composition, talent training programs, scientific research endeavors, and graduate outcomes. He expressed hope that both sides would continue enhancing their level of Sino-foreign educational cooperation while pursuing more diversified collaborations.

Bénédicte STURBOIS provided a comprehensive explanation to the Chinese delegation regarding the French diploma system, including the composition of students and faculty, distinctions between Chinese and French laboratories, as well as evaluations of undergraduate programs.

During the exchange session, representatives from China and France discussed several key issues related to Sino-foreign cooperation in education. They reached a consensus on the necessity of deepening collaboration in future initiatives concerning student exchanges and joint research endeavors.

Subsequently, the delegation visited the college's experimental platform and attended performances by students involved in Sino-foreign cooperative education projects. The students showcased their enthusiasm through meticulously prepared presentations featuring works such as "Backlight," "Poland Dance at the Concert," "Farewell to Cambridge," and "Song of the Matador." The French educators were inspired by the vibrant energy displayed by both Chinese and foreign students, commending their versatility.

On the afternoon of the 15th, accompanied by Chen Jie, Director of the International Exchange Office; Chen Yang, Director of Construction for the International Education Science and Technology Innovation Park (Junshan Campus); and Liu Jianmiao, head of Sino-foreign cooperative education projects, the delegation conducted an on-site visit to Junshan Campus. This visit aimed to gain insights into its overall construction planning and progress while discussing clean energy applications and intelligent facilities that are areas of interest for their French counterparts. Both parties agreed that Junshan Campus is poised to become a significant hub for promoting international exchanges, expanding global cooperation, and enhancing international educational standards.

On the morning of the 16th, the French delegation paid a visit to the new offices of the Sino-foreign cooperative education project situated in rooms 708 and 709 of the East 12th Teaching Building. They inspected the VR panoramic renderings of the Sino-foreign innovative scientific research activity classroom and public publicity and exhibition space. Once all these projects are completed, they will be able to enhance the display and publicity of Sino-foreign joint projects and also create more space for students' learning and activities. Patrick CURMI personally penned his well-wishes for the great friendship between China and France.

At 10:30 a.m., President You Zheng and Vice President Chen Jianguo held a meeting with the guests in the Wutong Language Asking Hall to discuss the new direction of practical cooperation between the two universities. After the meeting, President You Zheng and President Vincent  BOUHIER interacted with the representatives of the winning students of the iGEM competition of the Sino-foreign cooperative education program of the School of Life Sciences and the international student representatives of the master's program in Saclay.

Vincent BOUHIER, the president of a French institution, expressed his conviction that the two sides will take this friendly exchange as an opportunity to continuously deepen cooperation in bachelor's and master's education, cultivate interdisciplinary international talents, seek new opportunities for the development of biological sciences, and contribute to the stable and long-term development of the partnership between the two universities.