Memorandum between MPEI and Xi'an Jiaotong University: a step towards nuclear power development

On October 17, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MPEI and Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU, China) to create a joint educational program of two diplomas.

The Chinese delegation led by Yan Junjue, Vice President, emphasized the importance of developing bilateral cooperation in education and scientific research.

The delegation also included Huang Zhongde, Assistant President, Shen Chao, Deputy Director of Offices of Distinguished Faculty Affairs Management, Sun Zhongguo, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, and Zhang Shanshan, Officer at the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges.

MPEI was represented by Alexander Tarasov, Vice-Rector on International Relations, Sergey Shirinsky, Head of External Relations Department, Elena Gulicheva, Director on International Relations.

During the visit, both sides discussed the implementation of a bachelor's level dual-diploma program in nuclear power engineering, implemented by XJTU Institute of Power Engineering and MPEI Institute of Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering (ITNPE) with the participation of the specialized departments of both universities. The aim is to enhance students' academic abilities, professional skills and international perspectives. The program will enable students to obtain degrees from both countries, broaden academic and cultural experiences, and strengthen international ties between the universities.

During the visit, the guests were given a tour around the Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering Institute (ITNPE), namely laboratories and computer classes of the departments of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP), General Physics and Nuclear Fusion (GPNF) and the Center of the National Technological Initiative “Technologies of Electric Power Transportation and Distributed Intelligent Energy Systems” (NTI). At the MPEI NPP Department, the delegation saw a digital simulator for a nuclear power plant with a ВВЭР-1200 nuclear unit, a uranium-water subcritical stand designed to study the physical parameters of the multiplying medium “naturally enriched uranium - light water”.

During the presentation about MPEI Alexander Tarasov thanked XJTU representatives for giving our students the opportunity to participate in the summer school held at a high level. The last visit of the Chinese delegation in April resulted in the expansion of free places for MPEI students. In total 15 under-graduate and post-graduate students decided to take advantage of this unique opportunity. At the end of the summer school, a website with student feedback in Russian was created. It is expected to inspire new participants to have an unforgettable experience in the future.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed on further steps to implement the memorandum, including the agreement upon curricula and the organization of joint scientific research.

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Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU, China) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. Founded in 1896 in Shanghai as Nanyang College, the university was moved to Xi'an in 1956. There, in the administrative center of Shaanxi Province, the university received its current name.

The university is known for its achievements in power engineering and electrical engineering, and plays an important role in the development of innovative technologies. The university emphasizes international cooperation, including student exchange programs, dual-degree education and joint research.

The university's research institutes and laboratories cooperate with industrial enterprises and government agencies, making a significant contribution to the development and modernization of the country's power engineering sector.