On December 25,a delegation led by Professor Zhao Hua, Chair of the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota, USA, visited Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT). Attendees included Yang Fan, Assistant to the President of SUAT; Wang Dawei, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering; and Zhang Hao, Deputy Dean of the Guangdong Carbon Neutrality Research Institute.

The two sides deeply discussed cooperation ideas in professional fields such as materials, sustainable energy, and biology. In education—

The two sides reached cooperation intentions on the "Study Abroad" short-term visit program, whereSUAT students can earn credits for professional courses at the University of Minnesota;

The two sides also deeply discussed the feasibility of2+2 undergraduate dual degree cooperation, 3+2 bachelor's-master's cooperation, and direct doctoral programs for undergraduates, providing more choices for SUAT students to connect with international high-quality educational resources.

In addition, the two sides plan to establish a strategic partnership by signing a memorandum of cooperation,conducting in-depth cooperation in multiple fields such as scientific research tackling, faculty visits, and international project applications, in addition to close cooperation in education.

Particularly in biotechnology and sustainable development directions, the University of Minnesota will deeply cooperate with the SUAT Institute of Emerging Agricultural Technology to jointly promote technological innovation and achievement translation in related fields.

The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the United States and a world-class academic research institution. Since its founding in 1851, the university has produced 25 Nobel laureates, offers over 370 majors, and is known as a "Public Ivy." The university ranks 47th in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ShanghaiRanking), 54th in the 2025 U.S. News World University Rankings, and 203rd in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

The SUAT Admissions and Cooperation Office, Research and Industry Office, Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering, and Guangdong Carbon Neutrality Research Institute jointly participated in the exchange.