EU Delegation to China Hosts Academic Mixer to Strengthen EU-China Research Cooperation
Beijing, February 28, 2025
The EU Delegation to China, with the support of the public diplomacy programme EUPOP and Euraxess, hosted an academic networking event in Beijing, bringing together European and Chinese researchers to strengthen academic collaboration and scientific exchanges. The discussions underscored the importance of open science, research partnerships, innovation, and funding mechanisms in addressing shared global challenges.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to China, Mattias Lentz, emphasised the role of transparency and accessibility in scientific collaboration. He highlighted that open science plays a critical role in tackling pressing issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and biodiversity conservation. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we could accelerate the pace of discovery and develop solutions that are beneficial to all,” he stated.
The event featured keynote presentations, a roundtable discussion, and a fireside chat, offering researchers an opportunity to exchange insights and explore avenues for deeper cooperation. Ms. Mireia Paulo, Head of Management at the Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC), delivered a keynote presentation on strategic research priorities for EU-China partnerships. She also provided insights into CEAC’s role as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, which serves as a bridge for academic and research collaborations between Europe and China.
The roundtable discussion focused on open science, research ethics, cross-border data flows, biotech, and innovation, highlighting the significance of responsible and sustainable research collaboration. Participants examined joint publication opportunities, intellectual property considerations, and co-funding mechanisms, reinforcing the commitment to mutual academic cooperation.
The fireside chat, moderated by Dr. Kārlis Rokpelnis, China Country Representative at Euraxess, engaged speakers in an interactive dialogue on EU-China research partnerships. Discussions included real-world examples of successful collaborations, shared challenges, and future directions for academic cooperation in key areas such as digital governance, public health, and sustainable development.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, followed by networking and an academic poster display, allowing participants to connect and explore potential collaborations.
Reflecting on the event, Ms. Mireia Paulo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute as a keynote speaker and roundtable participant. “Engaging with researchers and exploring pathways for deeper cooperation was truly valuable. Strengthening scientific exchange and innovation remains essential for tackling shared global challenges,” she noted.
As EU-China relations mark 50 years of diplomatic engagement, such initiatives play a crucial role in fostering academic dialogue, scientific cooperation, and knowledge exchange.
