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Research Minister Wan Gang co-founds TU China Alumni Association

Beijing. Clausthal University of Technology plays a pioneering role in terms of internationality and especially in cooperation with China. In the presence of China's Minister for Science and Technology, Professor Wan Gang, TU President Professor Thomas Hanschke and numerous representatives from both countries, the "Association of Chinese Alumni of Clausthal University of Technology" was founded in Beijing. This is the first time that graduates abroad have joined together to form an official association.

Minister Wan Gang, who is himself a Clausthal alumnus and completed his doctorate in mechanical engineering at the TU in the early 1990s, gave the speech in perfect German. In it, he recalled his time in the Upper Harz Mountains: "Studying was not easy, but it was successful and also very enjoyable. I still feel connected to my university," said Wan Gang, setting the direction for the further expansion of the diverse relationships.

Professor Hanschke, who also conveyed greetings from Lower Saxony's Minister President Stephan Weil, spoke of a "moving moment" during the ceremony in front of around 120 guests. Addressing the many former Clausthal students who have now made a career in China, he said: "We admire you for having studied with us far away from home and are very proud that you now hold prominent positions in science, business and politics." In addition to the exchange of students - with around 500 students, the Chinese have been the largest international group at Clausthal University of Technology for years - there is also intensive cooperation in science with joint research projects, conferences and workshops.

The event also marked the launch of the TU Alumni Academy. This is a forum for alumni on the topic of "Energy transition in the context of sustainable development and global climate protection". Julia Kundermann from the German Embassy in Beijing and Dr. Thomas Schmidt-Dörr, Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in China, were also among the participants. The DAAD sponsors the bilateral conference, which lasts several days.

In addition to specialist lectures and exchanges between alumni and Clausthal professors, talks were held between Research Minister Wan Gang, Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Huai Jinpeng and the TU leadership on expanding relations between China and the university. In addition, further cooperation agreements were concluded with Chinese universities, including a contract with the renowned Beihang University. The events and the delegation trip, which will continue until the middle of the week, are being organized by Professor Michael Z. Hou, TU Clausthal's China representative. Andrea Langhorst and Dr. Stephan Röthele, representing the Alumni Management, are also in the Far East. Professor Kurt Kutzler, Chairman of the TU Council, is representing the TU.

Inspired by the German-Chinese music performances with Hans-Christian Wille (HarzClassixFestival) and students from Beihang University at the alumni event, Hanschke began his speech: "I am thrilled, ladies and gentlemen, and realize that there is actually no difference between Beijing and Clausthal-Zellerfeld - sophisticated science, music and wonderful people." The response was loud applause and a hearty handshake from Wan Gang.

Contact:

Clausthal University of Technology
Press spokesperson
Christian Ernst
Phone: +49 5323 72-3904

E-Mail: christian.ernst@tu-clausthal.de

 

 

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Unveiling of an honorary plaque to mark the founding of the association (from left): Prof. Xu Huibin, President of Beihang University and Chairman of the new association, TU President Prof. Thomas Hanschke, Minister Wan Gang and Prof. Xu Delong. Photo: Langhorst