In February, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council released the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", which provides guidance and sets the objectives of the current and future cooperation and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the "GBA").

GTIIT has taken forward overall plan and scientific layout, aiming at promoting the development of the GBA. Led by Prof. Eliezer Shalev, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Prof. Moshe Eizenberg, Dean of Graduate Schools; Prof. Paul Chen; and members from Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies visited the South China University of Technology (SCUT) and provincial science and technology department to discuss issues of cooperation in scientific research, technological innovation, and talents cultivation.

At SCUT, GTIIT delegation were welcomed by Assistant to President Fang Jundong; Dean of Materials Science and Engineering School, Peng Junbiao; Dean of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School, Zhang Zhengguo; and department heads from Graduate School, Development Strategy and Planning Department, Academic Committee Office, Technology Transfer Office, and Personnel Department. 

Issues discussed included faculty mutual visits, postgraduate cultivation, and scientific research cooperation.

VC Shalev highly appreciated the achievements of SCUT. He said that the establishment of GTIIT aims to bring more opportunities and energy to Chinese institutions. Enhancing exchanges, sharing resources, and promoting cooperation should be the latest trend of scientific research development. "It is expected that the two sides can conduct in-depth cooperation in various ways."

Assistant to President Fang expressed that it's of great importance to establish GTIIT-Technion-SCUT talents cultivation model. He hoped that Materials Science and Engineering School and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School can be the first batch of partners and greater cooperation can be promoted in the future.

Deputy Inspector from provincial Science and Technology Department, He Dihua, and directors from Exchange and Cooperation Division, Expert Service Division warmly received GTIIT delegation. 

Mr. He introduced the science and technology history, policy and future development in Guangdong. He said that the establishment of GTIIT marks significant progress between China and Israel in science and technology and education cooperation. "The GBA has entered a new era. Innovation is the engine of the GAB development and Israel is well-known as innovation. I hope that the two sides will deepen exchanges and strengthen cooperation to promote the transfer of Israeli innovation achievements to Guangdong."

VC Shalev introduced the disciplines, faculty, research and development of GTIIT. He pointed out that according to the global science and technology trend, four interdisciplinary research centers, including Science and Engineering for Medicion and Health, Sustainable World, Robotics Autonomous Systems and Advanced Theoretical Sciences will be established. "GTIIT will continue to serve as a bridge in China-Israel cooperation, strengthen exchanges with science and technology departments, and deepen scientific research collaboration with world-renowned institutions to support the development of the GBA."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs