On April 9, a delegation from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain, visited Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT). The delegation included Prof. Almudena Hospido, former Vice Rector for International Affairs, Prof. Miguel Mauricio Iglesias, and Dr. Lucas. They were received by Prof. Liu Guangqing, Executive Dean of the Belt and Road Academy for Global Cooperation, Prof. Yu Yue, Associate Dean of the School of International Education, Prof. Zhang Jin, Deputy Director of the Advanced Innovation Center, Ms. Zhang Wan, Director of the Office of Foreign Experts Affairs, and Prof. Chen Chang from the College of Chemical Engineering.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on educational and scientific collaboration. Prof. Liu Guangqing introduced BUCT’s existing partnerships with universities in Spain and shared information on support policies for China-Spain science and technology cooperation provided by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology. He proposed the establishment of a joint research center focusing on fields of mutual interest, such as chemical engineering, clean energy, and environmental engineering. He also emphasized the potential for student exchange programs, faculty visits, joint degree programs, and collaborative research projects to further promote academic and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Ms. Zhang Wan gave an overview of BUCT’s history, academic strengths, and recent initiatives aimed at broadening students’ global perspectives through overseas study programs. Prof. Yu Yue elaborated on BUCT’s short-term international study programs, 2+2 joint degree tracks, and the university’s educational and support systems for international students.
Prof. Hospido expressed appreciation for BUCT’s warm hospitality and gave a brief introduction to USC, highlighting its long history and unique strengths. She presented the structure of USC’s educational programs in chemical and environmental engineering, including its dual-degree initiatives, differentiated undergraduate-master-doctoral training models, teaching and research facilities, and international education programs.
Prof. Iglesias praised BUCT’s innovations in teaching and learning, and introduced USC’s interdisciplinary and practice-oriented curriculum, designed to foster creativity and real-world problem-solving skills. He expressed strong support for international collaboration in higher education and looked forward to future cooperation between the two institutions.
Following the meeting, the USC delegation, accompanied by Prof. Chen Chang, visited laboratories in the College of Chemical Engineering and the Advanced Innovation Center. Researchers in areas such as green multiphase catalysis, industrial catalysis, and low-carbon technologies presented their ongoing work and key achievements. The Spanish guests engaged in detailed discussions with BUCT scientists and expressed high praise for the university’s research infrastructure.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited BUCT’s Changping Campus, where they experienced the university’s smart teaching system and VR classrooms. The intelligent teaching platform integrates smart management, online resources, and interactive tools to support personalized and efficient teaching. The VR classroom uses immersive technology to simulate experimental and learning environments. The delegation participated in a VR demonstration and highly commended BUCT’s efforts in advancing digital education, noting that such innovations are at the forefront of global educational reform.
This visit not only strengthened the friendship between the two universities but also laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in talent training and scientific research. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to deepening student and faculty exchanges and advancing joint education and research programs, working together to build a new chapter in China-Spain cooperation.
About the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC):
Founded in 1495, USC is one of the oldest universities in Spain and among the most historic in the world. It enjoys a strong reputation in disciplines such as literature, medicine, engineering, and biology, and is recognized as one of the top higher education and research institutions in Spain and Europe. USC is home to 28 research centers and institutes, including the Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CIQUS), the Center for Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS), the Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), and the Center for Research in Intelligent Technologies (CITIUS). In Forbes Spain’s 2021 ranking of the best universities, USC ranked among the top three for its excellence in teaching and research. In 2025, USC signed an education and research cooperation agreement with BUCT, becoming a key partner of the university in Spain.