On April 23, Tsinghua President Li Luming met with Professor Ulrich Rüdiger, rector of RWTH Aachen University. During the meeting, President Li conferred the title of the Honorary Professor of Tsinghua University upon Professor Rüdiger. The two leaders also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic partnership between the two universities, and jointly attended the opening ceremony of the Tsinghua – RWTH Aachen Forum on Innovative Talent Development. The ceremony was hosted by Zheng Li, vice chairperson of Tsinghua University Council.
In his speech, President Li Luming congratulated Professor Rüdiger on his appointment as an honorary professor of Tsinghua University. He reflected on the history of collaboration between the two institutions, noting that since the establishment of the Tsinghua-RWTH Aachen Double Degree Program 25 years ago, it has always adhered to the guiding philosophy of “innovative thinking, technological leadership, and bridging East and West,” and has become a landmark achievement in Sino-German educational cooperation. President Li expressed hope that both sides will continue to promote practical cooperation across more areas, embrace technological transformation, reshape education models, and uphold the core values of universities. He emphasized their shared goal of advancing educational and technological talent development in China and Germany.
Professor Rüdiger remarked that the Tsinghua-RWTH Aachen Double Degree Program has now become a flagship of the strategic partnership between the two universities as well as a model of successful international academic exchange. He emphasized that universities are not just places where knowledge is created, but also where dialogue happens—across disciplines and across borders. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that both sides will build upon their solid foundation of cooperation, adapt to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, strengthen academic exchanges, expand joint research, and create new opportunities for students to engage in a truly global education.
The forum in session
Professor Rüdiger also delivered a report titled "RWTH Aachen University: A Next-Generation University," in which he shared insights into the university’s development, educational philosophy, and future vision.
The forum featured several themed sessions, where participants held in-depth discussions on topics including innovative talent development and the empowerment of higher education through artificial intelligence.
President Li Luming confers the title of Honorary Professor upon Professor Ulrich Rüdiger.
The two university leaders sign a strategic partnership MoU.
Founded in 1870, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s leading engineering universities. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Tsinghua University - RWTH Aachen University Dual Degree Joint Training Program, which was launched in 2001.
Editors: Li Han, John Paul Grima
