Changchun, Russia to co-build college to train optical personnel

Two universities -- the Changchun University of Science and Technology in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province and ITMO University in St. Petersburg, Russia -- agreed on July 7 to jointly establish a college in Changchun during a video conference, according to university officials.

ITMO University is the top higher education institution in computer sciences in Russia, specializing in information technology, optical design and engineering.

The joint venture college, to be established at Changchun University of Science and Technology, will offer undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs.

Changchun university officials said it will integrate the best available resources of both universities to train world-class optical professionals.

The president of ITMO University said during the conference that the two universities had established a deep friendship over a long-term partnership and the establishment of the college will boost cooperation even more between the two sides.

Yang Yuxin, Party committee secretary of Changchun University of Science and Technology, said the new college will introduce high-quality education resources and teachers from Russia in the optical field, to help create a world-class international research-oriented institute and train top personnel in the global optical sector.

An official from the Education Department of Jilin Province said it is expected that establishment of the college will broaden international exchanges and cooperation between two countries, and boost scientific cooperation, innovation and the commercialization of research findings.

The new college is expected to enroll the first batch of students in 2021, according to its dean.