The delegation met with Prof. Martin Vetterli, President of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), and other faculty members on 13 June. They discussed potential collaborations in environmental, , building, structure, and transportation engineering research. Both sides expressed a strong interest in exploring joint research projects and establishing research centers between PolyU and EPFL.
The delegation visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) on the following day. They met with both directors, Prof. Martin Ackermann of Eawag and Prof. Tanja Zimmermann of Empa, as well as faculty and PhD students. The group toured Eawag's state-of-the-art facilities, including the MasSpec lab and the Water Hub at the NEST research and innovation building. They also visited the experimental halls to learn about the institute's cutting-edge materials research.
Prof. Chao hosted a lunch gathering with a group of PolyU PhD students and alumni residing in Switzerland on 15 June. This provided a valuable opportunity for the delegation to update the students and alumni on PolyU's latest developments and future plans. During the gathering, two PhD students undergoing the Research Student Attachment Programme (RSAP) shared their experiences at ETH Zurich, while the alumni shared their work experiences in Switzerland after graduating from PolyU.
Throughout the visit, the delegation actively engaged in exploring potential research collaborations with their Swiss counterparts. Areas of mutual interest encompassed environmental protection, sustainable construction, smart transportation, and advanced materials. The delegates were impressed by the world-class research capabilities and facilities at EPFL, Eawag, and Empa.
This fruitful trip has laid a solid foundation for future research partnerships between PolyU and Switzerland. The University will continue to forge stronger ties between PolyU and these renowned Swiss institutions.