From March 26 to April 3, Gan Zhihua, Vice President and Party Committee member of Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT), led a delegation to visit institutions in Italy, France, and the UK, including the University of Genoa, the Italian Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, the French National Institute of Cultural Heritage, the Needham Research Institute, and University College London. The delegation engaged in comprehensive discussions on student training, research collaboration, and program development in cultural heritage-related fields, yielding significant outcomes.
The Delegation’sVisit to the University of Genoa, Italy
On March 27, the delegation arrived at the University of Genoa and met with Vice President Renata Paola Dameri and leaders of relevant faculties and departments. In a meeting with Vice President Renata Paola Dameri and various faculty and department heads, both parties commended the decade-long achievements in joint student training. They exchanged detailed perspectives on establishing cultural heritage degree programs, enhancing student development, and advancing research cooperation. Further discussions explored concrete steps to implement collaborations, including summer schools, open courses, and doctoral exchange programs. The delegation also toured the laboratories of the Faculty of Chemical Engineering.
The Delegation’s Visit to the Italian Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources
On March 28, the delegation visited the Italian Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources. In a session led by senior researcher Mara Camaiti and her team, they engaged in in-depth discussions about scientific research strategies, advancements in emerging technologies, and professional development planning. Both sides reached preliminary agreements on joint research projects and online course offerings. Guided by Mara Camaiti, the delegation toured the institute’s laboratories.
The Delegation’s Visit to the French National Institute of Cultural Heritage
On April 1, the delegation visited the French National Institute of Cultural Heritage. They held meetings with Deputy Secretary-General Tejad Mazel, Head of International Relations Pauline Chassaing, and Deputy Director of the Scientific Laboratory Elsa Perruchini. They discussed student training, research planning, and professional development, establishing a strong foundation for future collaboration in these areas. The delegation also toured laboratories dedicated to analytical characterization and the restoration of diverse cultural artifacts.
The Delegation’s Visit to the Needham Research Institute, UK
On April 2, the delegation visited the Needham Research Institute. During a meeting with the institute’s director, Mei Jianjun, Director Mei commended BUCT’s interdisciplinary approach to integrating professional development with its core academic strengths, expressing enthusiasm for potential collaborations in academic exchanges and research. Under Mei’s guidance, the delegation toured the Needham Research institute and its library.
The Delegation’s Visit to the Institute of Archaeology at University College London
On April 3, the delegation visited the Institute of Archaeology at University College London. In discussions with Mike Chalton (Head of the Department of Archaeology) and Pang Rui, both parties exchanged extensive views on student training, scientific research, and professional development. The visit concluded with a tour of laboratories specializing in technological archaeology, archaeobotany, and cultural heritage conservation.
This visit to three European countries reflects the spirit of the National Education Conference, advancing BUCT’s “Double First-Class” initiative and implementing the “Open BUCT” strategy. It serves as a vital step in cultivating new interdisciplinary growth areas and fostering collaboration with European institutions in cultural heritage fields. The visit deepened ties with prestigious Italian, French, and British institutions renowned for their rich histories and robust research foundations in global cultural heritage. Tangible progress was made in joint student training, research cooperation, and professional development, providing robust support for BUCT’s pursuit of high-quality development. It also promotes interdisciplinary innovation, nurtures emerging disciplines, enhances the cultivation of innovative talent, and strengthens the university’s global influence.
Accompanying the delegation were Liu Chuanyu, Minister of the University Party Committee’s Department of Teacher Affairs, along with faculty from the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Cultural Heritage Science and Technology: Professor Ma Qinglin, Associate Professor Han Peize, and Associate Professor Tu Qun.