From November 3 to 4, 2025, a delegation of the Southern Federal University, consisting of Maxim Bondarev, Vice Rector for Projects and  International Affairs, and Song Chenxi, SFedU Ambassador to China, held a series of working meetings in China.

Deepening cooperation with Henan University

On November 3, in Kaifen, representatives of the Southern Federal University met with the leadership of a long—time partner, Henan University. The meeting was attended by Vice-rector Zhang Ligan, Dean of the Xi Weikang Institute of Arts, Party Committee Secretary of the Eurasian International Institute Liu Jiaming, Dean of the Institute of International Studies Deng Hao, as well as President of the Russian-Chinese Foundation for the Development of Education and Science Cui Shan.

The central topic of the negotiations was the development of a new, more effective model for the implementation of dual degree programs in the field of Design, a partnership in which has been successfully developing since the past years. The parties agreed to launch pilot groups in this format as soon as possible.

In addition, a strategic decision was made to expand cooperation into new, promising areas. The focus turned to the possibilities of developing and launching joint educational programs in the fields of engineering, computer science, information security and Earth sciences. This decision marks the transition to a comprehensive scientific and technological partnership.

Joint AI Laboratory in Shanghai

On November 4, the SFedU delegation arrived in Shanghai, where the key event of the visit took place — the signing of a framework agreement on the establishment of a joint Russian-Chinese laboratory in the field of artificial intelligence. The Shanghai Scientific Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence (SAIRI) and the company "Shandong Hongshen: Education, Science and Technology" became partners of SFedU in this ambitious project.

Liu Yangqin, Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Dean of the CAIRI, stressed the special importance of academic cooperation between Russia and China in the field of AI and expressed hope for the launch of the first joint research and technology projects as early as 2026.

In preparation for the launch of the laboratory, an internship of SFedU researchers and teachers in China is planned in December 2025. Its purpose is to study in detail the key areas of SAIRI's work, the experience of technology commercialization, and the planning of specific joint projects with representatives of the institute and its partners, including Shanghai University of Transport.

The working visit of the SFedU delegation to Shanghai and Henan Province was a logical and significant step in the development of the Russian-Chinese academic partnership.