Sergey Mikhailov, Svetlana Golovina, Evgeny Korolev, and Dmitry Ulrikh at the Henan University of Urban Construction Museum

In early November, a delegation from the St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering paid an official visit to the People's Republic of China. The purpose of the trip was to develop international cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and expand joint research and educational projects with the country's largest universities.

Headed by the SPbGASU First Vice-Rector Svetlana Golovina, the delegation included Vice-Rector for Educational Activity Sergey Mikhailov, Vice-Rector for Research Evgeny Korolev, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Municipal Services Dmitry Ulrikh, Director of the Center for Monitoring Education Quality Natalia Golovina and Head of the International Relations Division Shuainat Akhmadulaeva.

The first stop of the visit was Anhui University of Science and Technology, one of the leading scientific and educational centers in Anhui Province, which includes more than 40 state-level research institutes and laboratories.

SPbGASU was greeted by Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Yu Yugang, Vice-Rector Zhao Ying and Professor Feng Shouzhong. During the meeting, the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation, which provides for:

• academic exchange of students and teachers;
• conducting joint scientific events;
• preparing publications and implementing research projects.

The next stop of the trip was a visit to Zhengzhou University, one of the largest universities in China, part of the national Double First-Class program.

The SPbGASU delegation was met by Vice-Rector Wang Haijie, representatives of the International Department, and faculty. The parties signed an expanded cooperation agreement, which includes:

• academic mobility programs;
• joint educational initiatives;
• teachers and researchers exchanges;
• participation in international research projects;
• creation of joint research centers and laboratories.

The Chinese side emphasized the high potential of SPbGASU as a partner in the field of engineering and architectural education.

The final stop of the visit was Henan University of Urban Construction (HUUC)), with whom SPbGASU has been developing cooperation since 2017. Since 2022, SPbGASU faculty have been participating in the bachelor's program in Water Supply and Sanitation, and several university specialists have been appointed visiting professors at HUUC.

The delegation was met by Rector Chen Guixiang, Vice-Rector Sun Yuzhou, and representatives of the university's international services. The following topics were discussed at the meeting:

• launching a joint 4+0 double degree program;
• establishing international educational institutions;
• developing research laboratories;
• conducting conferences, summer schools, and research seminars.

A special event was the participation of the delegation from SPbGASU in the graduation ceremony of the outgoing academic mobility program. SPbGASU students who studied at HUUC from 20 October to 14 November, 2025, successfully completed the program and received certificates.

The official visit of the SPbGASU delegation to China marked a significant step in the development of the university's international cooperation. The signing of memoranda and agreements opened up new opportunities in academic mobility, joint educational programs, including dual degree programs, research projects, participation in international grants, and the establishment of research centers.

The Chinese partners expressed interest in expanding cooperation and praised SPbGASU's scientific and educational potential. The results of the visit form the basis for long-term cooperation and strengthen SPbGASU's position in the international academic community.

A report on the SPbGASU delegation's visit is available on the HUUC website