On April 28th, the Shanghai-Haifa International Research Center, founded in partnership between the University of Haifa ( in Israel ) and ECNU, was opened. It is the first joint Israeli-Chinese academic research institution to be set up in Shanghai. Researchers from the two universities will launch and promote major innovation projects and conduct programs of cooperation and exchange in various fields.

Also on April 28th, Amos Shapira, President of the University of Haifa, and David Faraggi, Rector of the University of Haifa, led a 19-member delegation to visit ECNU. Arnon Perlman, Israel’s Consul-General in Shanghai, and Nadav Zysblat, Deputy Consul-General, were also present at the unveiling ceremony of the Research Center.

Tong Shijun, Chairman of the University Council of ECNU, met with the delegation and stated that ECNU would support the development of the Research Center. He expressed his hope that the Research Center would further promote exchange between the two universities, thereby enhancing cooperation between Haifa and Shanghai in the fields of science and technology. He also expressed sincere gratitude for the support of Israel’s Consulate General in Shanghai with regard to the opening of the center. The President and the Rector of Haifa University expressed their appreciation for ECNU’s reception, saying they plan to promote in-depth cooperation between the two universities by making full use of the platform the Shanghai-Haifa International Research Center will provide.

Chen Qun, President of ECNU, held a meeting with the delegation and signed an agreement to begin a student exchange program with the President and the Rector of Haifa University. According to the agreement, the two universities will start exchanging students at the beginning of next year.

The opening ceremony of the Shanghai-Haifa International Research Center was held at 10 a.m. The event was attended by Arnon Perlman, the Consul General, David Faraggi and Tong Shijun, while Amos Shapira and Chen Qun unveiled the Research Center’s new plaque. Tong also presented a work of calligraphy, “Creating a Better Future Together,” to be displayed in the Center’s main office. After the ceremony, Ren Youqun, Vice President and Vice Chairman of ECNU, accompanied the delegation to visit the Research Center’s office, housed within the International Education Building on ECNU’s Minhang Campus, which is situated in the Zizhu National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone.

The University of Haifa is a public research university in Haifa, Israel. It was founded in 1963. About 18,100 undergraduate and graduate students study a wide variety of subjects, with the university specializing in social sciences, humanities, law, and education. The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences is a division within the University of Haifa that primarily focuses on the study of the Mediterranean Sea. It is the only world-leading institute for marine research in Israel. The University of Haifa is also famous for its research in diplomatic studies.

ECNU signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Haifa, reaching a consensus for the terms of cooperation regarding the student exchange program, which will include a system for credit exchange as well as a joint granting of student diplomas. In January 2015, both sides signed a contract to cofound the Shanghai-Haifa International Research Center, and agreed to conduct joint research and multi-level cooperation in fields that include brain science, mathematics, education, science and technology, computer science and data management, and environmental management.