On August 9, a delegation led by CHEN Weibiao, Party Secretary of the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, visited Harbin Engineering University (HEU) to explore potential avenues for strategic collaboration. HEU’s Vice President, YIN Jingwei, attended the symposium, where discussions centered on advancing joint research efforts, promoting industry-academia-research integration, and addressing national strategic needs to drive high-quality development.

YIN Jingwei emphasized SIOM’s significant role as China’s earliest and largest laser science research institution, renowned globally for its advancements in optical engineering. He highlighted the shared mission of both institutions to contribute to national defense and technological progress, despite their respective areas of expertise. YIN pointed out the substantial potential for collaboration in areas such as optoelectronics, advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and extreme-environment detection. He proposed establishing regular communication mechanisms and launching concrete joint projects to accelerate the integration of technology and industry, ultimately supporting China’s scientific and technological self-reliance.

CHEN Weibiao expressed recognition of HEU’s strong legacy in defense technology, shipbuilding, and marine-nuclear engineering, noting the natural alignment with SIOM’s capabilities in marine optical sensing, laser manufacturing and processing, special optical fiber sensors, and extreme-environment optical materials and devices. He emphasized the desire to co-develop major research initiatives and address the innovation-industrialization gap, contributing to China’s technological independence by combining the strengths of both institutions.

Representatives from HEU’s academic units also presented their accomplishments in talent development, faculty growth, discipline advancement, and research infrastructure, laying the foundation for future partnerships.