Delegation of ICoD Visited Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research to Discuss International Cooperation
On November 5, 2023, David Grossman, former President of ICoD, and Ana Masut, Secretary-General of the Secretariat of ICoD visited Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research. They had in-depth discussions with Zhao Chao, Deputy Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University and Deputy Director of Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research, on international cooperation matters. The two parties discussed jointly building innovative laboratories, conducting international exchange activities, and other issues. Liu Weidong, Secretary of the Party Branch and Assistant to the Dean of the Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research, accompanied them during the visit and participated in the meeting.
The delegation of ICoD visited the International Industrial Design Center and the Art and Science Experience Center, and visited important thematic exhibitions held by Tsinghua (Qingdao) Academy of Arts and Science Innovation Research (hereinafter referred to as “the Academy”), such as the “Sowing and Sprouting, Ripening and Harvesting - Special Exhibition for the Anniversary of the Founding of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University” and the “Where Art Meets Science · A Better Future is Created” international exhibition. Deputy Director Zhao Chao introduced the top-level planning of the establishment of the Academy and the layout of international cooperation in the field of art and science innovation to the visitors.
At the Advanced Manufacturing and Design Prototype Laboratory, the ICoD delegation observed the 3D printer, processing center and other smart manufacturing equipment, as well as related works, and learned about the supporting role played by the Academy in design innovation and outcome commercialization for local enterprises, universities, and research institutions.
Mr. David Grossman highly commended and recognized the research initiatives and innovation activities of the Academy. He pointed out that the Academy is a forward-looking and leadership-driven innovation base integrating culture, science and technology, which can serve as a model and inspiration for future international design innovation. Looking forward to the upcoming collaboration between the ICoD and the Academy, he stated that both parties should engage in diverse international exchange and cooperation, promote the exchange of design between China and foreign countries through jointly establishing laboratories, organizing international workshops, and holding innovative outcome exhibitions, thus creating new opportunities for Chinese design to go global.
Deputy Director Zhao Chao welcomed the ICoD delegation and recalled the long-standing cooperation between the Academy and the ICoD, hoping to further deepen the cooperation to establish a long-term and stable relationship. He stressed that both parties agreed to integrate their advantageous resources, carry out international cooperation such as the joint establishment of laboratories, and jointly promote the development and innovation of design. The Academy will leverage the disciplinary and talent advantages of Tsinghua University, as well as the geographical and industrial advantages of Qingdao, to contribute to Sino-foreign cultural exchange and international design innovation.
After the meeting, the ICoD delegation engaged in academic exchanges with the faculty and students of Tsinghua University. Mr. David Grossman encouraged the graduate students of Tsinghua University to have an open mind and innovative spirit, to try new approaches and methods audaciously, and to resort to art and design in solving and improving social issues and challenges. He also hoped to joint hands with the Academy to maintain close communication with the graduate students of Tsinghua University, and promote the future development of design.
