When a higher education institution and a science and technology association forge an in‑depth partnership, the pathway for cultivating innovative talents becomes substantially broader.
On April 30, the signing ceremony for the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT) and the Zhejiang Association for Science and Technology (ZAST) was held at EIT. The two parties will engage in comprehensive, multi‑faceted collaboration covering the co‑establishment of world‑class scientific journals, co‑organization of high‑level international academic exchange events, co-development of science outreach bases, and co‑nurturing of innovative scientific and technological talent—marking a new chapter in association–institute collaborative innovation.
Signing Ceremony
Attending the ceremony were Professor Shiyi Chen, President of EIT and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Mr. Min Shen, Party Secretary and Vice Chair of ZAST; Professor Dongxiao Zhang, Executive Vice President and Provost of EIT and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering; and Professor Chunmiao Zheng, Vice President of EIT. Also present were relevant officials from ZAST, the Ningbo Association for Science and Technology, Zhenhai District, and EIT.
Professor Wenjun Zeng, Vice President of EIT, Chair of the EIT Association for Science and Technology, and International Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Mr. Weiwei Sun, Party Member and Vice Chair of ZAST, signed the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
Mr. Min Shen noted that associations for science and technology serve as the bridge and link between the Party and the government with the scientific community, while universities are the cradles of fundamental research and top‑tier talent development. The association–institute collaboration is both timely and profoundly significant. He spoke highly of EIT as a vital pillar of Zhejiang Province's science and technology landscape, acknowledging its notable achievements and important role in gathering high‑level talent, producing major research outputs, and driving regional innovation‑driven development.
Address by Mr. Min Shen
This partnership is not only a powerful alliance between a science and technology association and a high‑level research university, but also a vivid practical exploration of the integrated advancement of education, technology, and talent. Both sides will fully leverage the platform strengths of ZAST and the innovation advantages of EIT as a new type of research university, striving together to set benchmarks for comprehensive association–institute strategic cooperation and for high‑quality development of university‑level associations for science and technology. This collaboration will inject robust technological momentum into Zhejiang's mission of building a demonstration zone for common prosperity through high‑quality development.
President Shiyi Chen stated that EIT adheres to its founding principles of being a "High-Caliber Foundation, Compact yet Distinguished, Research Oriented and Globally Engaged" institution, with strategic emphasis on fields such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and intelligent manufacturing. The institute is committed to building an innovation‑centered research ecosystem that leverages multidisciplinary convergence to advance cutting‑edge technologies and their applications.
Address by President Shiyi Chen
ZAST, with its province‑wide network of professional societies, high‑level academic events, and extensive capacity for science outreach, will work closely with EIT. Centered on the four pillars of co‑establishing world‑class journals, co‑organizing academic exchanges, co‑developing science outreach bases, and co‑nurturing scientific talent, the two parties will actively explore an exemplary model of association–institute collaborative innovation. They aim to accelerate the translation of cutting‑edge research results into practical productivity, and to build EIT into a cradle for "scientists with an entrepreneurial spirit" and "entrepreneurs with scientific acumen," thereby making robust contributions to China's pursuit of high‑level technological self‑reliance and strength.
Under the agreement, the parties will jointly sponsor a high‑quality English‑language scientific journal, adhering to world‑class standards for scientific journals. They will co‑organize high‑level international academic exchange events, leveraging platforms such as the World Young Scientist Summit. Joint efforts will promote the development of science outreach bases to enhance the scientific literacy of the public. Furthermore, in line with the national mandate to "step up efforts to attract and cultivate first-rate scientists and young talent," both sides will build platforms that enable young faculty and young talents to thrive and excel.
Following the signing ceremony, Mr. Min Shen and his delegation toured the Youngor Library at EIT.
Mr. Min Shen and delegation tour the Youngor Library at EIT
