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The College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University
Dean of the College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Dr Ying Zhou talks about the school's reputation, motto, and future aspirations in this interview.
Tongji University has a long and prestigious history. What are some of the university's recent key milestones and achievements that have contributed to its current standing?
Firstly, Tongji has been actively engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide array of disciplines. Its researchers have made significant contributions to fields such as engineering, architecture, environmental science and medicine. These contributions not only enhance the university's reputation but also advance knowledge globally. Secondly, Tongji has been fostering strong collaborations with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. Such partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research projects and academic exchanges, enriching the university's academic environment and global reach. Moreover, Tongji has been actively promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among its students and faculty. Through various initiatives such as startup incubators, entrepreneurship competitions and technology transfer programs, Tongji has been nurturing a culture of innovation and fostering the development of startups and spin-off companies.
Tongji University has established partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide. How do these collaborations contribute to Tongji's global competitiveness and research impact?
These partnerships have enabled Tongji to access cutting-edge research facilities and expertise, greatly enhancing our research capabilities. By pooling resources and knowledge, we are able to undertake projects that would be otherwise unattainable for a single institution. This, in turn, has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various fields. Besides, Tongji’s international collaborations have fostered a diverse and inclusive academic environment, attracting top talent from around the world. This has not only enriched our teaching and learning processes but also broadened our students' horizons, preparing them to become global leaders in their chosen fields. Moreover, these partnerships have provided us with opportunities to showcase our research and academic achievements on a global stage. Through joint conferences, workshops, and publications, we have been able to share our insights and expertise with the international community, further enhancing our global reputation.
According to your website, Tongji is "developing itself into a world-class university with Chinese characteristics". Can you elaborate on what this means?
"Developing Tongji into a world-class university with Chinese characteristics" is a vision that encapsulates our aspiration to excel globally while maintaining our unique cultural identity. By "world-class", we mean striving for excellence in all areas including attracting top talents, conducting cutting-edge research and offering high-quality education. With close historical ties with Germany, Tongji partners mainly with European universities but is also actively expanding its influence to North America, Asia, and Africa. We aim to collaborate with leading institutions worldwide, participating in global research networks and knowledge exchange programs. "With Chinese characteristics" reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage. Tongji is deeply rooted in Chinese history and tradition, and we believe that this cultural foundation is a valuable asset that must be nurtured and integrated into our academic pursuits. We encourage cross-cultural understanding and respect, fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment where students from different backgrounds can learn from each other.
Graduates from Tongji University are highly sought-after by employers regionally and globally. How do you ensure that students have the relevant and required skills for a fast-paced and competitive job market?
To help students acquire the relevant skills required in the job market, Tongji regularly offers a series of courses on career guidance. In addition, students can apply the one-on-one career counselling. Relying on the theory of career planning and the tools of psychology, the professional staff of the Employment Guidance Centre for Students of Tongji University can help students to understand the employment policy, analyze their own qualities and know the professional world through face-to-face communication, so as to lay the foundation for a better start of their own career.
The Dean of the College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University
Tongji boasts a diverse student body with over 4,000 international students. How does the university support international students in adapting to a new and different academic and cultural environment?
Tongji makes great effort in developing international students’ education and actively supporting international students in adapting to Tongji’s academic and cultural environment. The educational features and goals of Tongji is social service and internationalization. When you study in Tongji, you can meet a large number of top academicians and professors from China and abroad. They are capable of leading you to explore the ocean of knowledge and the extraordinary world. When you study in Tongji, you will make progress and contribute to a better future with classmates who have a strong desire for knowledge and an outstanding innovative spirit. When you study in Tongji, you will form a cross-cultural vision that can agree to disagree and a broad mind in the culturally cosmopolitan environment of Tongji’s campuses.
Additionally, Tongji University has a complete scholarship system for our outstanding students, including national scholarships for international students, scholarships provided by ministries and commissions, local government scholarships, president scholarships and scholarships provided by corporates and social organizations.
Universities in China have displayed a steady improvement in the QS World University Rankings in the last five years. What are Tongji University's key strategic initiatives to maintain its global reputation in the coming years?
Tongji will continue to prioritize research excellence and innovation, and enhance our internationalization efforts. Tongji commits to provide an exceptional learning environment for our domestic and international students, and aims to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community. Both the faculty and students are confident that by implementing these strategic initiatives, Tongji will maintain the global reputation and continue to be a leading institution in international higher education.
Tongji prides itself for its excellence in teaching and research. How does Tongji University invest in faculty development to ensure they remain at the forefront of their fields?
Currently, Tongji has 2,815 faculty members, among which are 1,082 professors including 23 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering and 6 foreign academicians. Aiming to help the faculties develop in their field, Tongji has established 6 state-level teaching teams, 8 innovation communities supported by Natural Science Foundation of China, 9 innovation communities directly under the MOE, 1 innovation team in selected areas of priority under the Ministry of Science and Technology, and was selected to participate in the State Innovative Talent Training Demonstration Project. In addition, Tongji is also equipped with 3 state key laboratories, 1 state engineering laboratory, 1 state collaborative innovation center, 1 state large-scale instrument center, 5 state research centers of engineering (technology), and 53 ministerial and provincial research platforms. Furthermore, Tongji has established the world’s largest “Multi-Functional Shaking Table Center,” the nation’s first “Automotive Wind Tunnel Center,” the “Comprehensive Test Platform for Urban Rail Transit,” the nation’s first “State Long-term Seabed Observatory System,” and other platforms for major scientific study. Tongji also conducted cutting-edge scientific research in the fields of long-span bridge construction, seismic design, intelligent urban traffic, urban sewage treatment, new energy car research and development, domestic intellectual greenhouse, remote sensing information, ocean drilling and atrial fibrillation research.
What are some significant trends or challenges that Tongji University sees shaping international higher education in the coming years, and how is the university preparing to address them?
Firstly, the increasing globalization of education means that students are becoming more aware of and interested in cross-cultural and international experiences, which demands a greater focus on cultivating global perspectives and intercultural communication skills among students. To address this, Tongji is proactively expanding its international cooperation and exchange programs. These efforts aim to provide more opportunities for students to participate in international exchange programs and learn from different educational systems and cultures. Secondly, the rapid development of technology and its integration into higher education. Online learning, remote education, and virtual reality technologies are becoming more widespread, offering greater flexibility and freedom to students. Tongji is actively exploring and adopting these technologies to enhance teaching methods and learning experiences. Moreover, to balance traditional academic research with the demands of a rapidly changing world, Tongji is committed to innovation and reform. It is fostering a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship among its students and faculty, encouraging them to think critically and creatively to solve real-world problems.