Internationalization of TU Hamburg:
Delegation visits Tsinghua University and National Science Foundation of China
07.07.2025
Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel, Prof. Smirnova, Prof. Qiang Li, Prof. Shan Shi, Dr. Yi Wang
The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) continues to advance its internationalization strategy. In early July, a delegation led by TUHH President Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel traveled to China to strengthen existing collaborations and initiate new partnerships in research and education. The central focus of the trip included visits to the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing and the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
At Tsinghua University – one of the world’s leading technical universities – the delegation met with representatives from the fields of Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, and Chemical Engineering. Joint lab tours and in-depth discussions highlighted the strategic importance of networked and integratedsystems and advanced materials for both institutions. These research areas also contribute significantly to TUHH’s guiding theme, “Engineering to Face Climate Change.” The aim is to establish targeted research collaborations that address global challenges such as climate change.
A highlight of the visit was the meeting with the President of Tsinghua University, Prof. Li Lumin. Discussions focused on shared visions for the future of university education and the essential role of science in addressing global issues. The exchange also included concrete plans to expand student and doctoral exchange programs as a foundation for long-term collaboration. Both university leadership teams emphasized the crucial role of international cooperation—especially in light of global challenges like climate change, which require cross-border solutions and joint efforts.
This shared understanding was also reflected in the meeting with the President of the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC), Prof. Dou Xiankang. TUHH President Prof. Timm-Giel and Prof. Dou underscored the importance of close scientific and cultural exchange as a foundation for sustainable innovation and international understanding. These discussions will continue in October 2025 during a delegation trip organized by the German Research Foundation (DFG), in which TUHH will also participate
With approximately 62,000 students – including over 23,000 doctoral candidates – Tsinghua University, founded in 1911, is one of China’s most prestigious institutions. In international rankings, particularly in the field of engineering, it consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide – including 1st place in the US News & World Report, ahead of institutions like MIT.
TUHH - Public Relations Office
Elke Schulze
E-Mail: elke.schulze@tuhh.de
