From February 1 to 6, a delegation from the School of Mathematics at Renmin University of China visited Germany and France to explore new avenues for international collaboration, strengthen academic training, and deepen engagement with industry and research partners. The delegation was led by Party Secretary Ke Yuanyuan, Deputy Party Secretary Shen Jian, and Associate Dean Wang Shanwen, together with Academic Affairs Secretary Zhao Chunxiao.
During the visit, the group met with faculty and researchers at the University of Mannheim, Sorbonne University, Université Paris-Saclay, the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHÉS), the Institut Henri Poincaré, and the Huawei Lagrange Center for Mathematics and Computing. Discussions focused on research collaboration, student training, and partnerships between universities and industry.
On February 2, the delegation visited the Institute of Mathematics at the University of Mannheim. Faculty members there introduced their approach to training students in applied mathematics and designing interdisciplinary curricula. In turn, the Renmin University delegation shared recent developments in the School’s academic programs and long-term planning. Both sides discussed the possibility of student exchange programs, alignment of course structures, and mutual recognition of credits. They also explored joint summer schools, faculty exchanges, and collaborative publication of research outcomes.
On February 3, the delegation visited the Huawei Lagrange Center for Mathematics and Computing and held discussions with representatives from the Huang Danian Chashi House, the Lagrange Center for Mathematics and Computing, and the Warsaw Laboratory for Theoretical Algorithms. During the meeting, Party Secretary Ke Yuanyuan introduced the School. All parties discussed topics including joint university–industry research initiatives, organization of research projects, and the cultivation of mathematical talent through China–France collaboration.
On February 4, the delegation met with teaching coordinators from the Department of Mathematics at Sorbonne University to review existing joint training initiatives. Both sides examined students’ academic progress and identified areas where additional academic support and program design adjustments might be beneficial. Drawing on the strengths of each institution, they reached a shared understanding on further developing the joint mathematics training framework. The School of Mathematics plans to incorporate insights from these discussions into future curriculum planning and program development.
On February 5, the delegation visited the Orsay mathematics institute at Université Paris-Saclay and met with alumni currently studying there.
The delegation also met with faculty members who will be teaching in the 2026 international summer school, laying the groundwork for closer teaching collaboration and course development.
On February 5 and 6, the delegation visited the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques and the Institut Henri Poincaré. Meetings focused on current developments in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and interdisciplinary research, as well as on institutional approaches to research organization, team development, and the integration of research and training. These exchanges offered insight into how leading research institutes support long-term mathematical research and cultivate academic communities.
This visit to Germany and France marked an important step for the School of Mathematics at Renmin University of China in expanding international collaboration, strengthening its talent-training system, and advancing the development of the discipline. During the trip, the School built productive connections with several leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, reached a number of shared understandings on future cooperation, and gained valuable experience in student training, disciplinary development, and research collaboration.
Building on these exchanges, the School will work to implement the agreements reached, promote inter-university exchange and joint training programs, further refine its training framework, and deepen collaboration across universities, industry, and research. It will also continue to broaden and strengthen its international partnerships, enhance the foundations of student training, and support the development of mathematically well-trained students with strong academic preparation, an international outlook, and the capacity for innovation—using international collaboration to further advance the growth of mathematics at Renmin University of China.
