From January 17 to 18, Tsinghua President Li Luming led a delegation to Germany, where he met with the presidents of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) to discuss innovative models for the development of higher education and strengthen university cooperation. He also visited the Adidas headquarters, and held a meeting with alumni in Munich.
On January 17, Li visited TUM, where he met with President Thomas Hofmann. The pair discussed topics such as leveraging artificial intelligence to empower education, exploring new pathways for clinical medicine development, and innovative models for advancing higher education.
Li Luming (left) meets with Thomas Hofmann.
Li introduced Tsinghua’s latest advancements in scientific research, talent cultivation and international cooperation. He noted that since the establishment of the flagship partnership between TUM and Tsinghua, the two institutions have continuously expanded cooperation areas and innovated cooperation models, yielding fruitful results. He expressed hope for further deepening exchanges and collaboration in areas such as medical-engineering integration, carbon neutrality and energy transformation, to jointly address global challenges and contribute the wisdom of higher education to sustainable development and human well-being.
Hofmann welcomed Li and his delegation and introduced the latest developments at TUM in scientific research, talent cultivation, and clinical medicine. He said that, in light of the current trend of interdisciplinary development and symbiosis, he looks forward to further expanding the space for innovative cooperation between the two institutions, working together to contribute the strength of Chinese and German universities to the development of higher education.
Li and the delegation also visited the Institute for Thermodynamics and its laboratories at TUM's Garching campus, where they met and exchanged ideas with the head of the institute.
On January 17, Li also met with Joachim Hornegger, president of the FAU. The two engaged in discussions on practical cooperation in areas such as medicine, carbon neutrality, and sustainable business practices.
Li Luming (right) meets with Joachim Hornegger.
Li stated that with the joint support and efforts of all parties, Tsinghua and the FAU have carried out close cooperation in cutting-edge medical technology research, as well as the integration of basic medicine and clinical applications, achieving positive results. He hopes that both sides continue to deepen and refine specific cooperation measures in areas such as joint research, talent cultivation, and industry transformation, and jointly provide transformative solutions to address global health challenges.
Hornegger stated that the FAU places great importance on its cooperation with Tsinghua University. He looks forward to continuing close collaboration with Tsinghua in the fields of medical engineering and digital health, with the support of industry partners, as well as expanding exchanges in the energy sector and sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, to jointly promote academic excellence and social progress.
Li Luming (left) visits Adidas headquarters.
On the same day, Li visited the Adidas headquarters and met with Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. Li expressed his gratitude to Gulden, who serves as the "Honorary Coach" of the Tsinghua University football team, for his support of Tsinghua's sports development. He recalled Gulden's visit to Tsinghua last year, during which he interacted with the University's football team and delivered an inspiring lecture. Li highlighted Tsinghua's strong sports tradition and expressed hope for future collaboration in scientific research and student sports practices. He emphasized the importance of exploring innovative approaches and working together to contribute to the high-quality development of sports in China.
Gulden welcomed Li and his delegation and introduced the development and management model of the Adidas headquarters. He emphasized that sports not only strengthen physical fitness but also foster team spirit. Gulden noted that Adidas values sports innovation and the cultivation of specialized sports talent and expressed the company's willingness to work with Tsinghua University to make positive contributions to the development of sports in China.
On January 18, Li and his delegation held a discussion with Tsinghua alumni living and working in Germany. Li briefed them on the University's efforts to study and implement the spirit of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and advance comprehensive reform. He expressed his gratitude to the alumni for their ongoing care and support of the University, urging them to continue embodying the Tsinghua spirit in their respective fields and contributing to the advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.
Alumni in Germany
During the visit, Li and his delegation engaged in discussions with faculty and students from the School of Vehicle and Mobility who were attending an overseas social practice program. Li encouraged the students to broaden their horizons as they progress through their social practice experiences. The students shared insights on their overseas practice.
Faculty and students on a social practice program in Germany
Editor: Li Han
