Leiden University and Xi’an Jiaotong University mark a decade of trusted scientific collaboration
A delegation from Xi’an Jiaotong University visited Leiden University on 25–26 March, celebrating ten years of cooperation in education and research, and exploring new opportunities for future collaboration.
On 25 and 26 March, Leiden University welcomed a delegation from Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), marking the latest step in a partnership that has steadily expanded over the past decade. What began with individual researcher-to-researcher contacts has grown into a structured collaboration in education and research, built on academic alignment and mutual trust.
During the two-day visit, leadership and researchers from both universities reflected on ten years of joint activities and discussed new opportunities to strengthen cooperation.
A partner of global standing
Xi’an Jiaotong University is one of China’s leading research universities and a member of the C9 League, often compared to the Ivy League in the United States. Founded more than a century ago and celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, XJTU has developed strong research programmes in engineering, natural sciences, medicine and emerging technological fields. It is also a key member of the Silk Road University Alliance, connecting more than 150 universities in 38 countries.
Opportunities for students and researchers
Beyond individual projects, the partnership opens doors for both students and researchers. Students gain opportunities for academic exchange, joint supervision and exposure to different approaches to scientific education in two leading research environments. These experiences help foster an international outlook and prepare graduates for careers in a global scientific community.
For researchers, the collaboration enables joint PhD supervision, new doctoral positions and access to collaborative funding. Working together also helps teams build long-term partnerships and stay connected to scientific developments worldwide.
A decade of joint research
In the past ten years, Leiden University and XJTU have developed joint programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels. Eighteen doctoral candidates have entered the joint PhD track, supervised by researchers from both institutions.
Their projects span disciplines ranging from computational linguistics and optical spectroscopy to molecular biology. Topics include language evolution, molecular plasma research and the role of the Notch signalling pathway in development and disease — illustrating how combined expertise can generate new insights.
Alumni and academic connections
The partnership is also carried forward by scholars who have belonged to both communities. Professor Kai Ye, now at XJTU, obtained his PhD in Biopharmaceutical Sciences at Leiden University in 2008 (with distinction). Reflecting on the collaboration, he remarked that the link between both universities is ‘built on a shared DNA of academic rigor and innovative spirit.’
Historical connections run even deeper. In 1926, Leiden PhD graduate Hendrik Douwe Kloosterman introduced what became known as the Kloosterman sum, now fundamental in number theory. Today, Professor Ping Xi at XJTU contributes to this field, illustrating how mathematical ideas originating in Leiden continue to shape contemporary research.
Recognition beyond academia
The collaboration has also been recognised beyond the academic community. During a visit to XJTU in 2019, Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok remarked on the strong relationship between the two institutions: ‘It is a pleasure to see the close connection between XJTU and Leiden University.’
Looking ahead
Jasper Knoester, Dean of the Faculty of Science, welcomed the delegation: ‘It was a great pleasure to welcome such a large delegation from our long-standing partner XJTU, led by Vice-President Shan. We had very fruitful discussions and look forward to a prolonged partnership in research and education.’