Delegation from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) at FUW

On November 21, 2025, the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw hosted the inauguration of the China-Poland Joint Laboratory on Medical Optics and Medical Imaging, an initiative of the University of Warsaw and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). The event brought together representatives of the academic authorities of both universities, the Chinese Embassy in Poland, and researchers from the University of Warsaw. The new laboratory marks an important step in strengthening scientific collaboration between Poland and China, creating a space for joint research projects and academic exchange.

The Chinese delegation included: Dr. Zhang Yao, Vice President of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST); Mr. Geng Yuanming, Chairman of the School of Automation (HUST); Prof. Liu Wenzhong from the School of Automation; Ms. Liu Rong, Vice Director of the Research and Development Office at HUST; Ms. Lai Xiangyu, International Cooperation Coordinator at the School of Automation; as well as representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Poland: Ms. Li Danhong, Minister Counselor, Deputy Head of Mission; Mr. Tian Zhong, Counselor for Science and Technology; Mr. Duan Dejun, Second Secretary; and Ms. Li Lin, Third Secretary.

From the University of Warsaw, participants included: Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, Vice-Rector for Research; Prof. Wojciech Satuła, Dean of the Faculty of Physics; Prof. Jacek Szczytko, Vice-Dean for Research; Prof. Iwona Stachlewska, Director of the Institute of Geophysics; and Prof. Ryszard Buczyński, Vice- Director of the Institute of Geophysics and Head of the Joint laboratory.

The ceremony began with a brief introduction by Prof. Ryszard Buczyński, followed by a speech from Prof. Wojciech Satuła, Dean of the Faculty of Physics. “It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our faculty. I am very pleased that we can participate today in the unveiling of the plaque of the joint Polish-Chinese laboratory. I am confident that this initiative will benefit both sides, contributing to many excellent joint scientific publications, research visits, and the development of innovations in medical equipment and health technologies,” emphasized the Dean. In his speech, he also presented the history of the Faculty of Physics and its key research and educational achievements.

Next, Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, Vice-Rector for Research, highlighted the strategic importance of the joint laboratory for internationalizing research at the University of Warsaw. “The University of Warsaw aspires to be a fully internationalized institution. We continuously invite foreign students, postdocs, and young researchers from all over the world, including China, Japan, and Korea. We believe that initiatives like this will encourage international students and doctoral candidates to choose the University of Warsaw for their studies and research. The outcomes of this collaboration can result in innovations serving society and industry alike. This is an excellent example for the entire University—for all faculties and research groups,” said the Vice-Rector. Prof. Lalak also emphasized his strong confidence in Prof. Ryszard Buczyński’s scientific leadership. “He has built an exceptionally effective team of researchers and engineers and achieves outstanding results in securing grants. Recently, Prof. Buczyński received funding under the International Research Agendas (MAB) program to establish the Center of Excellence in Structured Fiber Optics and Applications (SOWA) at the Faculty of Physics, of which the University is extremely proud.”

Dr. Yao Zhang, Vice President of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, presented HUST as a leading, comprehensive research university in Wuhan, with strong engineering traditions and rapidly developing programs in natural sciences, medicine, and the humanities. He also highlighted its extensive international engagement, including collaboration with over 300 universities worldwide. “The University of Warsaw, a globally recognized research institution, enjoys an excellent reputation in fields such as physics, social sciences, and natural sciences, and is a key partner for us,” noted Dr. Yao Zhang. “The joint laboratory will combine the research potential of UW in physics and optics with HUST’s extensive engineering expertise. The laboratory will focus on photonic technologies in medicine and the development of systems for precise diagnostics and therapy,” he added.

The HUST Vice President proposed expanding student exchanges and creating a mechanism for short-term academic visits. “Students who have participated in exchanges so far have highly praised the program organization, the quality of the courses, the cultural atmosphere, and have established valuable contacts with faculty and fellow students. Such interactions deepen mutual understanding and build friendships,” Dr. Zhang noted. He also suggested establishing a joint research fund to support young scientists in developing projects in areas of shared expertise. The third component was using the joint laboratory as a permanent platform for exchange, including organizing international conferences on optics and medical imaging.

A key moment of the event was the unveiling of the plaque for the China-Poland Joint Laboratory on Medical Optics and Medical Imaging, performed by Prof. Zygmunt Lalak, Vice-Rector of UW, and Dr. Yao Zhang, Vice President of HUST. The Chinese delegation and guests then visited the research laboratories of Prof. Ryszard Buczyński’s group and MakerspaceUW. The meeting concluded with a joint lunch, accompanied by discussions on future areas of potential scientific cooperation between UW and HUST.