CityUHK deepens research and academic collaboration with the Collège de France and French Academy of Sciences
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Collège de France and the French Academy of Sciences on 17 October to strengthen academic partnerships and foster collaborative research and exchanges. This tripartite agreement underscores CityUHK’s commitment to promoting international education and research collaboration, reinforcing its recognition as the Most International University in the World.
The MoU was signed by Professor Lee Chun-sing, Provost and Deputy President of CityUHK, Professor Thomas Römer, President of the Collège de France, and Professor Françoise Combes, President of the French Academy of Sciences. The three parties will pursue deep collaboration in research, education and cross-cultural exchanges, including co-organising international lectures, conferences and scholar mobility programmes to expand opportunities for students, faculty and staff in global innovation and scholarship.
Professor Freddy Boey, CityUHK President and University Distinguished Professor, and Professor Römer participated in the signing ceremony via video. President Boey congratulated the three parties on strengthening their partnership and praised the research excellence and academic status of the Collège de France and the French Academy of Sciences. “As France advances its national strategy to attract global talent, CityUHK proudly shares this vision—promoting diversity, global engagement and a vibrant academic community that transcends borders. We are greatly honoured to deepen our ties with two of France’s most esteemed academic institutions,” he added.
In his remarks, Professor Römer emphasised the Collège de France’s eagerness for ongoing collaboration with CityUHK, focusing on exchanging researchers and professors, and jointly organising distinguished lectures and international conferences. He extended his hope for a long and fruitful partnership.
Professor Combes remarked that this collaboration would reinforce the shared goals of advancing scientific excellence and international scholarship among all parties. It also aligns with CityUHK’s strategic focus on fostering a dynamic, inclusive global learning environment, as well as being a leader in cross-border academic innovation.
CityUHK representatives attending the ceremony included Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, Vice-President (Research), Professor Serge Haroche, Chairman & Senior Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study (HKIAS), Professor Cheng Shuk-han, Executive Director of the HKIAS, and HKIAS Senior Fellows Professor Philippe G. Ciarlet, Professor Marc Fontecave, Professor Étienne Ghys, Professor Pierre-Louis Lions and Professor Sylvie Méléard.
