Research and innovation: Success of TU Darmstadt and Tongji University!

Research and innovation: Success of TU Darmstadt and Tongji University!

A special event took place at the Technical University of Darmstadt from June 11th to 12th, 2025: The Research Days, which opened up promising opportunities for exchange between scientists in early career phases at TU Darmstadt and Tongji University. The discussions revolved around topics that have the potential to shape our future, such as in a report from the TU Darmstadt is mentioned.

The series of events ended with a celebratory reception in the Lichtenberghaus, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the automotive sector was signed. This strategic partnership is TU Darmstadt's second oldest and reinforces the commitment of both institutions to research, teaching and innovation. On the occasion, Vice President Walther highlighted the achievements of well-known personalities from both universities, including Professor LI Keping from Tongji University and Professor Emeritus Gerhard Sessler, who was also recognized for his contribution to initiating this collaboration.

Research and innovation in the automotive industry

The research topics during the Research Days included exciting perspectives such as Future Transportation and Production, Smart Materials and Devices and Language and Knowledge. These topics are not only important for scientists, but are also in the context of current developments in the automotive industry, where the need for a uniform standard work for electromobility is becoming increasingly present. The creation of such standards enables easier international exchange and promotes cooperation, as well described at DIN.

This cooperation is significant, especially considering that China and Germany have already signed an MoU in Beijing this year. This document aims to improve cross-border data transfer, which seems more than necessary at a time of trade conflicts and customs negotiations. Despite the threat of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, experts emphasize that dialogue between the two countries should be demonstrated in order to maintain a functioning economic relationship. Volker Wissing, the German Minister for Digital and Transport, emphasized the importance of smooth data flow to shape the future of mobility the Global Times reported.

Collaboration on a global level

The development of uniform norms and standards is a central aspect of meeting the needs of the global automotive industry. The German-Chinese sub-working group on electromobility, which was founded in 2011, has set itself the goal of finding common solutions for issues relevant to standardization. Topics such as batteries, vehicle safety and charging systems are the focus in order to drive innovation and avoid double standards. It becomes clear here that international cooperation also plays an important role in the area of ​​standardization in order to ensure resource conservation and efficiency.

The Research Days at TU Darmstadt not only provided a platform for important scientific discussions, but also created the basis for further deepening the desired collaboration between Germany and China. It will be exciting to see how these partnerships develop in the future.