ZJU launches joint programs in math with top French institutions

Zhejiang University today announced the creation of three new Double Degree Programs in Math, in collaboration with École Polytechnique, Mines ParisTech, and Université Paris-Saclay respectively.

Starting in fall 2020, these programs will allow top-notch students to earn both French and Chinese degrees in five to six years’ time. Students will learn to analyze complex problems in mathematical sciences and develop global competence crucial to the rapidly-evolving world.

Take the program with École Polytechnique as an example, Chinese students will spend three years at each university and earn the Bachelor of Science degree from ZJU and the Engineering Degree from École Polytechnique. French students enrolled in the Ingénieur Polytechnicien Program will spend three years at École Polytechnique in France and two years at ZJU. After completing the entire program, they will be awarded the Engineering Degree from École Polytechnique and the Master of Science degree from ZJU.

“While sending our students to study in France, we also look forward to hosting French students in Hangzhou,” said LI Min, director of ZJU’s Office of Global Engagement. “To encourage mobility in both directions, ZJU will be happy to offer math courses taught in English and Chinese lessons for beginners.”

The driving force behind the Double Degree Programs in Math stems from a shared commitment to international collaboration in fundamental sciences. ZJU and the French partner institutions hold reputations as top higher education institutions in their respective countries and worldwide, and they have taken concrete steps to translate their shared interests and strengths into opportunities for students.

“Math is a universal language that can bring us even closer. The programs will provide an opportunity for students to be at the cutting edge of math with interdisciplinary and intercultural skills fit for the global society,” said Professor BAO Gang, dean of ZJU’s School of Mathematical Sciences.

The official kick-off of the program took place on Sept. 25, during a Sino-French workshop run by ZJU’s School of Mathematical Sciences. Academics from French institutions École Polytechnique and École Normale Supérieure were in attendance, as well as representatives from the ParisTech network and Campus France. These French representatives took the opportunity to speak to Chinese students interested to learn more about the French higher education system and the highly reputed role that mathematics plays within it.

Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a top comprehensive university in China and placed third in ShanghaiRanking’s Best Chinese Universities Ranking 2019. It is home to the Chen-Su School, pioneered by renowned mathematicians Chen Jiangong and Su Buging and highly regarded worldwide in the 1940s.

École Polytechnique is a leading French institution combining top-level research, academics, and innovation at the cutting-edge of science and technology. Its various programs are highly selective and promote a culture of excellence with a strong emphasis on science, anchored in humanist traditions.

MINES ParisTech is one of the oldest French higher education institutions in engineering and placed 2nd nationwide in the 2019 engineering school ranking published by Usine Nouvelle magazine. Two Nobel laureates were trained at MINES ParisTech: Georges Charpak (Physics, 1992) and Maurice Allais (Economics, 1988).

Université Paris-Saclay is a mega-size research university in France that integrates several leading grandes écoles, public universities, and research centers. According to US News and World Report, it is ranked 30th worldwide and 1st in mathematics.

Writer: TONG Jun

Photo: CHONG Jing