On the afternoon of January 6, Warren East, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), along with Chief Growth Officer Toni Allen, China Region Head Paulo Lopes, and a delegation of seven members, visited the Department of Electrical Engineering and Applied Electronics (EEA) at Tsinghua University to discuss and further strengthen cooperation between the two sides. Kang Chongqing, Dean of EEA, Sun Kai, Deputy Dean, and Li Yongdong, Head of the Advanced Power Conversion and Electrified Transportation Team, along with representatives from the Institute for Carbon Neutrality and the Journal Center of Tsinghua University Press, welcomed the delegation. A discussion meeting was held in Room 203, Zone 2 of the West Main Building. Kang Chongqing extended a warm welcome to the IET delegation, reflecting on the history of collaboration between the two sides and highlighting their fruitful achievements. Sun Kai then introduced the recent developments in the Department of Electrical Engineering, covering aspects such as organizational structure, academic research achievements, research team development, talent cultivation, and international collaboration. Paulo Lopes provided an overview of IET’s global presence, detailing its expansion and cooperation efforts in China.

Discussion Meeting

IET President Warren East expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration with Tsinghua University’s Department of Electrical Engineering, highlighting that his first visit to China as the new IET President was to Tsinghua, reflecting the importance IET places on this partnership. He expressed high expectations for expanding cooperation in engineering, power, and energy technologies, and proposed various avenues for deeper engagement, including: jointly hosting international conferences, establishing academic journals, and developing exchange platforms. These initiatives aim to enhance mutual collaboration and drive shared progress in relevant fields.

IET President Warren East’s Address

During the discussion session, Professor Li Yongdong presented the latest research progress in electrified transportation; Chen He, Senior Publisher at Tsinghua University Press, introduced the international academic journal iEnergy (Power & Energy Review) initiated by Tsinghua University; Zhang Nan, Head of International Cooperation at the Institute for Carbon Neutrality, outlined the development and upcoming international collaborations of the institute; Dai Jing, Deputy Director of the Energy Governance Research Center at the Tsinghua Energy Internet Innovation Research Institute, discussed the center’s ongoing work in energy policy and think tank research; Zhong Haiwang, Head of Graduate Affairs at the EEA, reviewed past collaborations with IET in PhD forums, overseas internships, and academic exchanges; Representatives from IET’s China office responded to the discussions, exchanging ideas on conferences, journals, think tank initiatives, and student activities; In his concluding remarks, Kang Chongqing expressed sincere appreciation for IET’s long-standing support in international academic cooperation and talent development at Tsinghua. He emphasized the importance of identifying new opportunities for deeper collaboration between IET and various Tsinghua platforms and institutions. He encouraged all participants to embrace innovation, take initiative, and foster deeper integration in talent cultivation and scientific research, aiming to establish a model of high-level international technological cooperation.

Concluding Remarks by Kang Chongqing

Before the meeting, Sun Kai accompanied Warren East and the IET delegation on a tour of the State Key Laboratory for New Type Power System Operation and Control and the Department of Electrical Engineering’s Historical Exhibition Hall. During the visit, Sun Kai introduced the department’s 90-year history and its recent major research achievements in new power systems. Warren East expressed admiration for the department’s rich heritage and outstanding academic contributions, reinforcing his commitment to advancing high-level cooperation between IET and Tsinghua.

IET Delegation Visits the Laboratory

This visit has laid a solid foundation for expanding cooperation and enhancing collaboration levels between Tsinghua and IET. With joint efforts, both sides aim to strengthen their influence and innovation capabilities, contributing positively to comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and the UK.

Group Photo of Delegates