Harbin Institute of Technology Launches China-SCO Doctoral Training Innovation Center to Foster Global Academic Talent
Harbin, China – In a significant advancement for international academic cooperation, the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) inaugurated the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Doctoral Training Innovation Center on September 5, 2025. The opening ceremony took place at HIT’s International Campus in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, marking a new chapter in educational collaboration among SCO member states.
The center welcomed its first cohort of 120 doctoral candidates hailing from six SCO member countries: China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This initiative is designed to cultivate highly skilled researchers and academic leaders through innovative training programs and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
During the ceremony, the "Harbin Roadmap for the Innovative Training of Doctoral Students in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization" was officially released, outlining strategic plans to enhance doctoral education and foster cross-border collaboration among SCO nations. Simultaneously, HIT’s International Campus was formally inaugurated, symbolizing a commitment to global academic integration.
Distinguished representatives from 13 leading universities worldwide, including mentors and outstanding doctoral students, participated in the event, underscoring its international scope and collaborative spirit.
This project, spearheaded by HIT, has been recognized as a highlight of China’s rotating presidency of the SCO for the 2024-2025 term, reflecting China’s dedication to advancing educational partnerships within the SCO framework.
Key Remarks from Officials
Wu Yan, Vice Minister of Education, remarked on HIT’s strategic role in strengthening Sino-Russian educational ties and international collaborations. “The establishment of the International Campus and the initiation of this center represent major steps toward integrating education, science, and talent cultivation,” Wu stated. He expressed hopes that the center would nurture innovative talents, foster high-quality scientific research, and promote the practical transformation of research achievements. Wu also encouraged the doctoral students to embrace their roles as diligent learners, creative innovators, global contributors, and ambassadors of intercultural friendship.
Sui Hongbo, Vice Governor of Heilongjiang, highlighted the province’s pivotal position as a gateway for China’s cooperation with Russia and Eurasian regions. “The center’s establishment is a milestone in Heilongjiang’s educational openness and a vital platform for China and SCO countries to jointly nurture future academic and research leaders,” he said. Sui emphasized ongoing efforts to deepen international exchange, enhance policy support, and accelerate innovation to position Harbin as a northern hub for SCO educational cooperation and the intellectual engine of the China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor.
Chen Jie, Party Secretary of HIT, emphasized the center’s mission to cultivate an interdisciplinary, international cadre of young leaders across science, technology, and humanities sectors. “Guided by the Shanghai Spirit and under the consensus of the SCO Tianjin Summit, the center aims to inject dynamic energy into building a community with a shared future for humanity,” Chen noted.
Han Jiecai, President of HIT, outlined plans for collaborative research with top universities worldwide, particularly in cutting-edge fields such as energy, information technology, and nanomaterials. “As the chair unit of the center, HIT is dedicated to providing robust resources and fostering connections to cultivate an elite force capable of leading international cooperation and supporting global development goals,” he said.
International Support and Vision
In a video address, Tursunov Batir, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO Secretariat, praised the China-SCO Doctoral Training Innovation Center and HIT’s International Campus as new milestones in educational integration. He affirmed that these institutions would facilitate advanced academic talent cultivation and promote the deep integration of industry, academia, and research. The SCO Secretariat pledged continued support for the center’s mission to realize innovative development goals and enhance mutual understanding among member states.
The establishment of the China-SCO Doctoral Training Innovation Center represents a strategic step forward in educational diplomacy, fostering academic excellence and cooperation within the SCO framework. By nurturing high-level talent and advancing frontier research, the center aims to contribute meaningful knowledge and innovation, underpinning the prosperity and stability of the SCO region and beyond.
For more information on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Harbin Institute of Technology’s international initiatives, please visit the official HIT website.
