The Ministry of Science and Technology has recently announced the evaluation results for “Inter-governmental International Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation” key special projects under the National Key Research and Development Program. The project led by Professor Peng Yan from the School of Mechanical Engineering at YSU, entitled “Sino-Italian Joint Laboratory for Green Manufacturing of Premium Steel”, has been approved. This achievement marks the university’s first-time success in getting approved for a key special project in this category during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. It also represents a significant milestone in the university’s endeavors in international scientific research collaboration and the development of international platforms for cooperation in science and technology.
This project is led by YSU, in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano in Italy. It draws on research and innovation platforms such as the National Engineering Research Center for Equipment and Technology of Cold Rolled Strip. The goal is to conduct research on theories and technologies related to green and intelligent manufacturing of advanced metal materials. The Chinese team, led by Professor Peng Yan, has aligned its efforts closely with national strategies, the academic disciplinary development of the university, and talent cultivation needs. By leveraging international collaboration and exchanges, the project has facilitated a high level of integration among government, industry, academia, research, and application, resulting in notable achievements in the initial phases. The team has successively taken on various significant projects, including the China Scholarship Council’s International Cooperation Project for Innovative Talent Cultivation, Hebei Province’s Foreign Expertise Introduction Project, Talent Recruitment and Intellectual Exchange Innovation Platform, the International Exchange Program for Great Talent in Science and Technology, among others. Moreover, the team has guided students to achieve success in various competitions, including the 2024 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, where they secured a gold medal, a silver medal, and a bronze medal, as well as an excellence award in the 18th “Chunhui Cup” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Chinese Students. Politecnico di Milano, founded in 1863, is Italy’s largest technological university and ranks among the world’s top polytechnic institutions. The university enjoys a global reputation for its excellence in mechanical engineering, design, construction, and aerospace, positioning it as a leader in these fields. Politecnico di Milano boasts a team of high-caliber academic staff and formidable research capabilities. It is home to Europe’s largest wind tunnel laboratory, one of the continent’s largest ICT departments (boasting over 30 IEEE/ACM Fellows), and Polihub, which ranks among the top three university-based business incubators globally. Also, the university has produced five Nobel Prize and Pritzker Architecture Prize winners.
The research team engaging in discussions at the lab
Signing ceremony for international cooperation agreements between YSU and Politecnico di Milano in November
The “Inter-governmental International Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation” key special projects are a vital component of the National Key Research and Development Program. This involves scientific cooperation projects executed under bilateral and multilateral governmental agreements, organized and managed in line with the common requirements of the National Key Research and Development Program. The projects focus on addressing the pivotal technological challenges that underpin the socio-economic development objectives of governments, fostering high-level, diverse, and extensive collaboration in scientific research, which holds significant importance for expanding international cooperation and exchanges and enhancing international influence. The approval of the “Inter-governmental International Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation” key special project is a testament to our university’s emphasis on aligning with significant national strategies, conducting organized research, developing signature research areas, and strengthening the development of research teams. It also represents our dedication to perfecting policies for the internationalization of education, advancing scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with world-renowned universities, and enhancing the international academic reputation of YSU. This accomplishment is of considerable significance in promoting the comprehensive and multi-faceted development of the YSU’s research activities and effectively supporting the construction of a high-level research-oriented university.
