By Li Han

Staff Writer of the Tsinghua News Center

Groningen Day, a major communication event between Tsinghua University and the University of Groningen, was held at Tsinghua on October 16th. An Agreement of Cooperation was signed between the two universities on that day.

Tsinghua University Council Honorary Chairman Wang Dazhong had a discussion that morning with Professor Sibrand Poppema, President of the University of Groningen, prior to the opening ceremony for Groningen Day. The two expressed the hope that cooperation between their institutions could be extended in the future.

Tsinghua University Vice President Xie Weihe attended the opening ceremony and delivered an address. "I sincerely hope that Groningen Day at Tsinghua will be a platform for further strengthening friendship and collaboration between our two institutions," said Vice President Xie. "Besides, Groningen Day at Tsinghua will be a landmark event in the history of our collaboration."

President Poppema, Mr. Willem van Ee, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Sheng Jianxue from the Ministry of Education, and Professor Zheng Yankang, Vice Chairperson of the Tsinghua University Council, attended the opening ceremony.

Groningen Day at Tsinghua featured a speech by President Poppema as well as academic lectures and workshops in such fields as physics, economics, international relations, public health, and automation. These provided opportunities for professors from both universities to communicate and exchange research ideas. A photo exhibition was also held to highlight the unique style and features of the city of Groningen and its renowned university.

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is one of the oldest universities in Holland.

(Photo by Guo Haijun)