By Li Han

Staff Writer of the Tsinghua News Center

Mr. Blaise Godet, Ambassador of Switzerland to China, visited Tsinghua and delivered a speech entitled “Switzerland--Country of Science, Technology and Innovation” in the Tsinghua Global Vision Lectures Series on April 22. Tsinghua University Council Vice Chairperson Deng Wei had a discussion with Mr. Godet in which the two exchanged ideas on cooperation in such fields as architecture, life sciences, and medicine.

In his speech, Mr. Godet noted that Switzerland is known in China and all over the world for its chocolate, cheese, watches, landscapes and excellent tennis players. Less known is the fact that Switzerland is continuously ranked among the most innovative and technologically advanced countries. He highlighted some of its top achievements and institutions in the fields of science, technology and innovation, and he provided an introduction to the Swiss S&T landscape. Looking at one concrete field of excellence, namely the field of nanotechnology, he explained why cooperation between the various private and public players is a key to success. Mr. Godet finally gave students and faculty members of Tsinghua University an overview of the recent developments in the bilateral relationship between China and Switzerland. He answered questions from the students after his speech.