Prof. ZHANG Xi, President of Jilin University (JLU), led a delegation to visit the University of Strasbourg in France from Nov 4 to 7, 2023.

ZHANG delivered a keynote speech and closing remarks at the bilateral symposium – From Supramolecular Structures and Materials to Complex Systems – hosted by the University of Strasbourg. He also attended the Strasbourg Young Scholars Forum.

During a meeting with Michel Deneken, president of the University of Strasbourg, ZHANG expressed his gratitude for the longstanding support from the university, especially from Nobel Laureate Jean-Marie Lehn, and Paolo Samorì, director of the Institute of Supramolecular Science and Engineering. He proposed expanding the universities’ collaboration to more academic fields and strengthening joint PhD programs and academic exchanges.

Deneken highly praised the long-term collaboration between the two universities and expressed hope that it would be extended to areas such as economics and medicine.

At the symposium, ZHANG gave a special report on supramolecular polymerization and renewable materials, and encouraged young scholars to stay scientifically curious, enhance their research capabilities, and engage in cross-disciplinary cooperation.

During the visit, ZHANG, along with the Chinese Consul General in Strasbourg, PAN Yumin, addressed the Strasbourg Young Scholars Forum, urging scholars to return to China to contribute to the advancement of higher education and scientific research.