Strengthening scientific ties with China: ASIPP and USTC delegations visited MPEI

On January 22, 2026, MPEI hosted a delegation from leading Chinese scientific and educational institutions: the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The purpose of the visit was to discuss prospects for collaboration in the fields of plasma physics, thermonuclear fusion, thermal and nuclear power engineering.

The international delegation included heads and leading scientists from key departments, as well as representatives from the international relations department.

From MPEI side, there were Sergey Shirinsky, Head of International Administration, Elena Gulicheva, Director on International Relations, Alexey Dudolin, Acting Director of the Thermal and Atomic Energy Institute and Andrey Dedov, Head of the General Physics and Nuclear Fusion Department.

The parties exchanged presentations and discussed opportunities for joint research projects and academic exchanges.

Concurrently, MPEI students and Ph.D.-students attended an open lecture. There representatives from ASIPP and USTC detailed opportunities for academic mobility and study programs in China.

It is noteworthy that students from Thermal and Atomic Energy Institute participate annually in the ASIPP and USTC summer program, while Ph.D.-students undertake long-term internships at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Hefei.

Following the discussions on cooperation prospects, the delegation had a tour around MPEI. The guests visited the Thermal and Atomic Energy Institute (ITNPE), where department heads Alexey Dedov (General Physics and Nuclear Fusion) and Marina Khvostova (Nuclear Power Plants), along with Alexey Dudolin, Acting Director of the ITNPE, showcased the unique laboratory facilities and presented ongoing research projects. Andrey Dedov, Head of the General Physics and Nuclear Fusion Department, also provided a guided tour of the department.

The visit of the ASIPP and USTC delegation marks a significant step in advancing the strategic partnership between our universities in the field of cutting-edge energy technologies and reaffirms the mutual commitment to deepening scientific and educational cooperation.

Refertence:

The Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), founded in 1978 and located in Hefei, Anhui province, is a leading institution in thermonuclear fusion research. ASIPP specializes in the design, analysis, development, manufacturing, and experimental research of sustainable, high-performance plasma and fusion devices. The institute comprises 13 research divisions, 3 workshops, 2 administrative departments, and a number of high-tech affiliated companies, with over 900 staff members and 500 postgraduate students. ASIPP designed, built and successfully operates the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). That is the world's first fully superconducting tokamak, which has repeatedly set world records for the duration of plasma confinement in H-mode.

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), located in Hefei, is a premier research university in China. It is one of the country's pivotal innovation hubs and is included among the four national comprehensive science centers of China.