Beijing, 17^th August 2024 (BISTU)--- Aiming to boost globalization of BISTU as a year-round university, a series of summer international exchange and cooperation programs have been arranged for students and faculty, in cooperation with high level universities in the UK, Germany, Japan, Ireland, and Macau.

“Engineering Excellence Learning in Germany”

In cooperation with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engineering Excellence Learning in Germany was held for over 20 students and faculty from 4^th to 12^th August in Karlsruhe. As one of the three institutions listed as “elite universities of Germany”, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is known as “MIT in Germany”. Special lectures are arranged centering on “understanding of Germany as country of origin for Industry 4.0”, “corporate lean production under the context of Industry 4.0”, “development and application of AI in Germany”, “application of industrial robotic technology in Industry 4.0”, etc. , coupled with visits and field surveys in KIT labs, KIT smart factory, and smart factories of Siemens. Field practices such as production simulation, group discussion, and on-site presentation help strengthen hands-on skills and cross-cultural communication competence.

Visit to Siemens smart factory

Field practice at KIT Smart Factory

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Macau

Held in Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) from 8^th to 12^th July for over 40 students and faculty, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Macau program aims to strengthen the academic exchange and cooperation with MUST, broaden horizon of students and faculty, and promote knowledge sharing and coordinated innovation. Lectures and seminars based on interaction and elicitation method cover a number of frontier areas such as innovative thinking and scientific development, exploration of start-ups and business models, career planning with self-recognition, etc. The Program also includes visits to national key laboratory and center of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students witness the tremendous achievements Macau has made since its return to China and gain academic knowledge and practical experiences in a number of frontier areas.

Learning at MUST

Visit to National Key Laboratory of MUST

Summer Research Program at the University of Cambridge

This two-phase program held from 29^th July to 25^th August 2024 at the University of Cambridge is one of the earliest, most-recognized summer programs of BISTU. The Program has six orientations, i.e., artificial intelligence, materials science, medical and pharmaceutical studies, international relations, humanity and social sciences, and finance and business. Mentors of the University of Cambridge are fully engaged in course design and teaching. Reading list is provided with students who will complete their research proposal and then report to their mentors, followed by essay writing under mentor’s guidance. The Program also offers visits to colleges and labs of the University of Cambridge and history and culture learning.

Learning at St. John’s College

Group discussion on research projects

Summer learning at University College Cork

Held from 13^th July to 24^th August at the University College Cork, the three-phase program allows flexibility for students to choose any phase. The program is themed on “nurturing leaders for a sustainable future” and enables students to experience studying abroad in a globalized atmosphere. All lectures and seminars are delivered in English by faculty of the University College Cork. Students of this program are from various countries. In cooperative assignments, students of different backgrounds cooperate with each other to complete the learning mission. Activities on experiencing traditional Irish culture are also organized for all students of the program.

A group photo in front of the main building of UCC

Innovation and Development Program in Japan

This two-phase, two-orientation (science & engineering and humanity and social sciences) program was held from 16^th July to 10^th August, incorporating learning at and visits to leading Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Doshisha University, etc. Heated discussions guided by professors are conducted on frontier technologies, practical application, environmental protection, and economic development. Students are enlightened in professional knowledge and cross-disciplinary learning while experiencing different ways of thinking in different educational systems. The corporate-based learning offers fresh experience for all students. Exploration trip covers a variety of companies, such as Kawasaki Robotics, Toyota, Panasonic, small-sized enterprises, etc.

Field trip to Toyota

Academic seminar at Kyoto University

A-plus Event in Global Robotics Competition

RoboCup is the premier championship for robotics, founded with the aim of sharing knowledge and accelerating developments in robotics. RoboCup 2024 held in Eindhoven of the Netherlands attracts over 3,000 participants from 45 countries. A BISTU team of six, including one supervising teacher and five students, joined the competition among rescue robots detecting victims in disaster situations. After a lapse of five years, BISTU team joins RoboCup abroad for the second time. Its outstanding performance in exploring the slope of viaduct bridges gains highly positive responses from the organizing committee who expresses that few teams would present such outstanding performance in their first trip to the Competition.

Before entering the competition field

Preparations for the Competition

Joining various summer learning programs organized by the University, students gain knowledge and hands-on skills on a broader platform. They have a lot to say about the learning programs:

Hu Xinyu of School of Information and Communication Engineering (joining Engineering Excellence Learning in Germany):

I saw and experienced the advanced technology of smart manufacturing when communicating with Siemens staff. I am deeply impressed with the innovative atmosphere in the smart factor of KIT. This learning trip offeres a comprehensive understanding of smart manufacturing and inspires me to pursue my dream in future technology. I am convinced that smart manufacturing will bring disruptive changes to industries. And I will apply what I have learned to future work and research to make my contributions to industrial advancement of China.

Zhang Yuan of Management Science and Engineering School (joining Engineering Excellence Learning in Germany):

Learning at KIT is both fruitful and inspirational. I get to know more about German culture, obtain in-depth understanding of Industry 4.0, and improve foreign language skills. I will keep on learning professional knowledge and skills. I wish that I would make my contribution to achieving the goal of building China into a manufacturer of quality.

Zhong Xinye of School of Business （joining Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program in Macau）:

I now have a whole-new understanding of culture, history, and development of science and technology in Macau. The learning tour undoubtedly is a valuable experience for innovation and creativity. I sincerely hope that BISTU and MUST will strengthen cooperation to boost academic exchanges and academic advancement.

Cai Kunyu of School of Foreign Studies（joining Summer learning at University College Cork）：

Making friends with people from various parts of world is exciting, one of the significant benefits of the learning program. We share with each other our respective cultures and stories. Cross-cultural communication has broadened my horizon and helped build deep friendship with students from other countries. The learning tour will be relished and cherished forever.

Nie Haocheng of School of Computer Science（Joining Innovation and Development Program in Japan）:

I get acquainted with scholars and postgraduates from all over the world. My horizon is widened and a valuable global academic network is preliminarily established. I will keep in mind every minute of the study tour and will apply experiences and knowledge gained to future learning and research.

Ni Ke of School of Electromechanical Engineering（Supervising teacher for RoboCup 2024 ）:

BISTU team chooses to participate in the competition on rescue robots detecting victims in disaster situations. Robots of this group are required to draw a map with realtime positioning and realtime map-building techniques. A series of complicated and delicate operations will be completed by mechanical hands. It is an examination of multi-competences of robotics in respect of mechanical design, integration of sensors, autonomous navigation, and decision-making. I here extend my sincere thanks to the University for the help and support, which offers precious opportunity for students to compete and learn with global leading teams. The Competition casts lights on both our strengths and weaknesses. We are confident in making outstanding performances in future competitions.