On June 16, a delegation of Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) visited the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University. Members of the delegation included Damien FABRÈGUE, Vice President for International Relations at INSA Lyon, Laura MORAS, Head of the INSA Lyon project in Hangzhou, Laurent GAILLARD, Head of FLE at INSA Rouen Normandie, Alexandra BERTRON, President of INSA Toulouse, Walter ESCOFFIER, Vice President for International Relations at INSA Toulouse, Adeline ROUCHON, Head of the FAS Department at INSA Toulouse, and Laurent BEDAT, Head of Sustainable Development Mission at INSA Rennes. They were received by Zhao Weisheng, Vice President of Beihang University, Sun Qingfeng, Party Secretary of the Hangzhou International Innovation Institute of Beihang University (H3I), and Dong Zhuoning, Director of H3I. The two sides discussed how to efficiently run the Beihang INSA Institute for Applied Sustainable Sciences and Technology (BIFAST).
Shu Peidong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province, met with the delegation during their stay in Hangzhou. At the meeting, the two sides reviewed the development of H3I since its establishment as an entity in 2018. Shu Peidong highly praised Beihang University for its efficient school management in Hangzhou, especially its innovative practices that facilitate the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. He expressed commitment to continued support for the construction of BIFAST. He hoped that Beihang University could leverage its disciplinary advantages to cooperate with international partners such as INSA Group, build a Beijing-Hangzhou-France trilateral model for international talent training, and create a prestigious brand in higher education with global influence. This would provide intellectual support for Zhejiang’s initiative to build a globally advanced manufacturing base and for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.
Zhao Weisheng pointed out that the establishment of BIFAST would not have been possible without the strong support of the local government. Beihang University will take this meeting as an opportunity to deepen its strategic cooperation with Zhejiang Province. Relying on BIFAST as the strategic pivot, Beihang University will explore distinctive talent training programs, introduce innovative education and teaching models, and promote innovation in cross-cultural engineering education. At the same time, Beihang University will actively respond to the industrial needs of Zhejiang Province. Through the co-construction of high-level scientific research platforms, joint development of industry courses, and training of talented people in emerging areas, Beihang University will contribute to the high-quality development of the regional economy.
During the campus visit, the two sides held a special meeting on the operation of BIFAST. They confirmed that “Applied Sustainable Science and Technology” will be the core feature of the institute to establish a curriculum system with cultural characteristics from both China and France.
In terms of curriculum development, the two sides emphasized the need to enhance students’ practical abilities in engineering through modular courses. To ensure the quality of cooperation, the two sides agreed to establish a regular communication mechanism, form a dedicated task force, and equip every major with a contact person, a review team, and a working group. At the meeting, they particularly highlighted scientific planning and high-standard construction of the project, saying coordinated efforts should be made to advance construction tasks in all stages, thereby ensuring the project’s high-quality development, leadership in innovation, and advanced nature across the industry. As the development of BIFAST has progressed from institutional design to actual operation, the two sides will leverage the favorable location of the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University and the distinctive experience of INSA Group in engineering education to create a future-oriented hub for the training of international professionals.
In addition, members of the INSA delegation joined with leaders and teachers from Beihang University to have face-to-face communication with students scheduled for an exchange program at INSA Group in September. The two sides put forward two expectations for the students. Firstly, the students should fulfill their mission with a dual role: while representing their personal style, they should serve as the school’s cultural envoys to actively participate in course interactions and engage in cross-cultural exchanges. Secondly, as the first cohort of pioneers in the new project, the students should hold themselves to high standards. They can seek help at any time when encountering difficulties in their learning or life. The school will provide holistic support for the students’ growth.
The students were full of curiosity and expectation for their future study and life in France. In response to questions from students, Walter Escoffier said that all campuses of INSA Group boast not only beautiful environments and complete facilities, but also rich educational resources. The students can partner with their counterparts in France to participate in student clubs covering a variety of topics and immerse themselves in their campus life. He pointed out that INSA’s dual degree program will leverage the institute’s long history of international education and rich experience in training Chinese students. With a “1:1” ratio of Chinese and French students, the class will customize efficient learning plans and strictly align with local curriculum standards of the same level. Zhao Weisheng encouraged the students to seize the opportunity and showcase the excellence of Beihang students on the international stage.
Alexandra Bertron and Walter Escoffier also visited Tianyuan College and gave an engaging lecture to senior high school students, elaborating on the development of INSA Group and the educational plan of BIFAST. The atmosphere was lively. The students enthusiastically asked questions and interacted with the lecturers, showing a keen interest in the educational model of BIFAST. Prior to the lecture, members of the INSA delegation and leaders of H3I had a discussion with leaders of Tianyuan College.
Moving ahead, BIFAST will strive to become a new model of Sino-French cooperation in higher education. It will propel the Hangzhou International Campus of Beihang University to enhance capabilities for international education in multiple areas, forging a new benchmark for international education with innovation!
Approved by Dong Zhuoning, Zhang Wei, Xu Ran
Edited by Yuan Xiaohui
