On November 20, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) President Ding Kuiling met with Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann, former President of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), on the Minhang Campus and conferred upon him the title of Honorary Professor of SJTU. Vice President Liu Weidong and heads of relevant university departments were in attendance.

During the appointment ceremony, President Ding highly praised Professor Herrmann’s landmark academic achievements in the fields of organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis, emphasizing his leading role in higher education reform and global academic leadership. President Ding highlighted that Professor Herrmann’s academic vision and educational philosophy align closely with SJTU’s commitment to excellence, openness, and inclusiveness. Appointing him as an Honorary Professor will help advance the university’s scientific innovation and talent development to new heights. Professor Herrmann expressed his full support for the development of relevant disciplines at SJTU and his commitment to promoting high-level academic collaboration between the two universities, injecting fresh impetus into innovation.

During the discussion session, Professor Herrmann provided concrete suggestions on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between the two universities.

Following the appointment ceremony, Professor Herrmann and Dr. Ana Santos delivered academic lectures for SJTU faculty and students: “The Political Landscape of German Universities in the Current Context” and “The Implementation of TUM’s Internationalization Strategy and the Features of Its Institute for Advanced Study.” Addressing topics including the management system of German universities, opportunities for international cooperation, and doctoral training in Germany, the two guests engaged in in-depth interactions with attendees.

This visit has injected new momentum into the cooperation between SJTU and TUM and provided fresh perspectives for further advancing SJTU’s internationalization efforts.

Translated by: SIYUAN SUN

Proofread by: Rebecca