MPEI and Xi’an Jiaotong University expand academic and research collaboration

On December 2, 2025 MPEI hosted a delegation from Xi’an Jiaotong University (China). The delegation included Shan Zhiwei, Vice President, Lei Yanjun, Deputy Director of the International Office, Xu Jun, Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Office, He Jin, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office, Li Jie, Representative of the SCO Chinese Secretariat & SCO Higher Education Center, Zhang Shanshan, International Office staff member, Zhang Xiaojing, Director of the International Education Institute, Cui Jianlei, Vice Dean of the Mechanical Engineering School and Chen Xuexiang, Representative of the Dean of the Energy and Power Engineering School.

From MPEI side, the meeting was attended by Vladimir Zamolodchikov, Acting Rector and First Vice-Rector, Sergei Shirinskii, Head of the International Administration, Elena Gulicheva Director on International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Andrey Dudolin, Acting Director of the Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering Institute, Andrey Dedov, Head of the General Physics and Nuclear Fusion Department, Olga Mitrokhova, Director of the Power Engineering and Mechanics Institute and her Deputy Sergey Vykup.

In his welcome speech, Vladimir Zamolodchikov highlighted the long-standing relationship between the universities, emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in the power engineering sector, and expressed MPEI’s readiness to further expand academic and research-technical collaboration. In response, Vice President Shan Zhiwei thanked MPEI for the warm reception and reaffirmed Xi’an Jiaotong University’s commitment to developing joint educational programs, research projects, strengthening cooperation within the SCO University framework, and launching new joint initiatives.

The parties discussed expanding cooperation within the framework of the SCO University, including the development of joint educational programs in the power engineering sector, MPEI’s participation in the Digital Education Alliance, and collaboration with the SCO Higher Education Center. Special attention was given to the potential launch of a “2+2” bachelor’s program at the Institute of Power Machinery and Mechanics, academic mobility initiatives, and an invitation for MPEI leadership to attend the 130th anniversary celebrations of Xi’an Jiaotong University. During the meeting, representatives from both universities’ institutes presented their areas of work and current research projects.

After the discussion, the delegation visited the Institute of Electrical Power Engineering, the Institute of Hydropower and Renewable Energy, the Institute of Power Machinery and Mechanics, and the Institute of Thermal and Nuclear Power Engineering.

A significant part of the visit focused on promoting short and long-term study programs for Russian students. As part of the program, Xi’an Jiaotong University held a presentation of its international opportunities where everyone could learned about study options in China, admission procedures, academic opportunities, and aspects of student life in Xi’an.

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Collaboration between MPEI and Xi’an Jiaotong University dates back more than seventy years, beginning in the 1950s when Prof. Mantrov laid the foundation of electrical engineering education at Xi’an Jiaotong University. The modern phase of the partnership has been rapidly developing. Since renewing contacts in 2023, the universities have launched joint projects, exchanges, and summer schools. In 2024, they signed a memorandum of cooperation and a memorandum of intent to create a dual-degree program in nuclear power at the bachelor, master and Ph.D. levels.

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In July 2024 and 2025, cultural and specialized summer schools in Xi’an were organized for MPEI students. In May 2025 an agreement was signed to launch a joint educational program in nuclear power engineering. The first students from Xi’an began their studies at MPEI in the 2025/2026 academic year.

In 2025, Xi’an Jiaotong University was designated a key institution of the SCO University, with MPEI participating as a member and leading the “Energy” track