Working trip of USUST scientists to China

On March 1, 2025, after a 12-hour flight, the delegation of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies arrived in Shanghai. Ahead lies a busy schedule of meetings and discussions on cooperation prospects with scientists and educators from the People’s Republic of China.

Day 1: Initial Meetings with Scientific and Technological Institutions

The first working day of the delegation began with several important meetings:

  • Visit to the TAIHULAB Scientific Laboratory. The delegation met with Mr. Muo, Deputy Head of the Science Department and Head of Technology and Innovation in Zhejiang Province. The laboratory focuses on research in the field of steel metal structures and pipe rolling.
  • Negotiations with representatives of the World Graphene Development Fund. The delegation met with Mr. Steven Feng at the Huzhou Wuxing Heyuan Metal & New Materials Institute to discuss the development and application of graphene in construction, energy, the textile industry, and solar panels.

The prospects for cooperation between USUST and Chinese partners are promising and open up vast opportunities for joint projects.

Day 2: Visit to Zhejiang Polytechnic University and Advanced Energy Technologies

On the second day, the delegation worked in Moganshan City.

  • Visit to Zhejiang Polytechnic University, which collaborates with 180 educational institutions from 30 countries. The Ukrainian delegation toured laboratories and research centers, including:
    • A hands-on class for hydrocarbon and fuel production (a mini-plant in a classroom).
    • The Collaborative Innovation Center for Membrane Separation and Water Treatment of Zhejiang Province.
    • The International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Energy Materials and Application.
  • Press Conference.
    • From USUST, Vice-Rector Oleksandr Zaichuk presented the university.
    • Julia Polishchuk, Director of the Scientific Center for Innovative Materials and Technologies, introduced the university’s main research directions.
    • The Chinese side delivered reports on the role of chemistry in China’s industry and agriculture and on the latest energy sector research.
  • Visit to the interactive exhibition center “Provide Clean Energy to Build a Better Life – TangNeng,” where the delegation explored cutting-edge power source technologies, including hydrogen engine advancements.

Following the visit, the Chinese side expressed interest in cooperating with USUST scientists both in teaching and in scientific research projects.

Day 3: Innovations in IT and Manufacturing

The third day’s agenda included several key visits:

  • Flexible Electronics Technology Laboratory at Tsinghua University, specializing in developing flexible materials for the IT sector, biomedicine, and measuring instruments. The lab collaborates with Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung, LG, and other major companies.
  • Smart City. The delegation visited a unique city established by young entrepreneurs who studied abroad (in the USA, Europe, and Ukraine) and then returned to China to develop startups. The city hosts over 20 innovative projects working closely with global tech companies. The generated financial flow is directed toward startup development and improving living standards.

Visit to a metal coating production facility. Delegates toured manufacturing workshops and laboratories focused on paint and electroplated coatings for metal structures. Stanislav Kovalev, Head of the Energy Department of SEI USUCT, and Oleg Kalinichenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Fuel, Polymer, and Printing Materials Technology at SEI USUCT, presented their research and shared their professional experience.

Day 4: Collaboration in Construction and Traditional Technologies

  • Zhejiang Guangsha Construction Vocational and Technical University. The delegation met with the university leadership, and Vice-Rector Oleksandr Zaichuk presented USUST, its institutes, and key specializations. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two universities.
  • Visit to China’s largest wood carving museum.The museum houses outstanding, large-scale, and masterful works, with some exhibits dating back nearly 3,000 years.

Day 5: Industrial Visits and a Meeting with the Leadership of San Yu

  • Ceramic Products Factory. The delegation visited a modern ceramic manufacturing facility specializing in producing ceramic plates for electronic devices.This material serves as an alternative to traditional textolite and is produced using a proprietary technology ensuring high quality and efficiency for the IT sector. The high level of automation was notable: only 3–5 people operate an entire large workshop.
  • Meeting with the leadership of San Yu and CCP representatives. The day concluded with an official roundtable meeting in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Chinese side expressed a strong interest in cooperation with Ukrainian experts and promised to organize additional meetings with relevant industries. The delegation noted the high level of organization and the hospitality of the hosts.

Day 6. Scientific and Business Potential of San Yu City

  • Shaoxing Chemical Universityю. The delegation visited Shaoxing Chemical University, which ranked 2nd in the world for chemical sciences in 2023. The university is renowned for its innovative achievements, including the development of an ammonia synthesis line involving three Nobel laureates. The university’s campus provides an environment for the growth of over 20 local companies, fostering the integration of science and business. The delegation explored the campus, visited state-of-the-art chemical laboratories, and discussed opportunities for scientific collaboration.
  • HSEDA Company. The next stop on the program was a visit to HSEDA, a company specializing in the development of new materials. Under its auspices, 32 institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have established over 30 manufacturing firms, with a total turnover of 260 billion yuan. The company’s products account for 30% of the global market and can be found in household appliances worldwide. The delegation was introduced to innovative developments and discussed prospects for cooperation.
  • Casam (ZHEJIANG) ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY Co., LTD. Casam occupies an intermediary position between research institutes and production. Its key areas of activity include:
  • Joint testing and certification
  • Site selection for new manufacturing facilities
  • Implementation of innovative technologies in production
  • Insurance and financing of projects
  • Identification of new development directions

Among the company’s successful cases is its involvement in establishing over 13 plants for synthesizing new materials.

  • Official Meeting with Provincial Leadership and Business Representatives. The day concluded with an official meeting with the provincial leader, representatives of the Communist Party of China, as well as business and industrial leaders from the city of Chen Qin. This city represents the future, hosting five business-smart townships, 1,000 companies, and 21 enterprises specializing in chemical industry and smart technologies. Notably, the city’s population is only 0.8 million people.

The Chinese side expressed condolences and support for Ukraine, offering cooperation in the field of chemical technologies. From the Ukrainian side, the following speakers participated:

  • Vice-Rector Oleksandr Zaichuk, who presented the city of Dnipro and the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology
  • Director of the Scientific Center for Innovative Materials and Technologies, Yuliia Polishchuk, who outlined the university’s scientific directions

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between scientific centers. All delegation members had the opportunity to engage with business representatives regarding shared interests in research and development. Moving forward, plans include the establishment of a Ukrainian-Chinese scientific center for joint projects.

Final Days of the Delegation’s Visit:

  • Visit to Professor Zhang’s Workshop. The delegation visited the workshop of the first Chinese woman to defend a dissertation in Ukraine, who now works at the University of Technology. Professor Zhang conducted a masterclass in traditional Chinese painting and donated a series of her works for a future exhibition at USUST.
  • Exploring Cultural Heritage and Culinary Traditions. During the weekend, the delegation had the opportunity to sample local delicacies and admire the beauty of traditional Chinese buildings, modern architectural ensembles, and picturesque landscapes.

Visit Summary

The working visit of the delegation from the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies to the People’s Republic of China marked a significant step in the development of international cooperation. As a result of the meetings, several memoranda of cooperation were signed, opening new opportunities for the university’s students and researchers. The delegation confirmed that Ukrainian specialists are highly trusted and in demand in China.