On May 23, 2023, Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General (DG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) visited Tsinghua University. Mr. Wang Hongwei, Vice President of Tsinghua University, met with the guests at the West Hall of Gongziting, where the two sides had a dialogue on further strengthening cooperation in the future.

Wang(right) held the meeting with Grossi (left)

During the meeting, Wang introduced the latest progress of Tsinghua University in talent cultivation, scientific research, social services and international cooperation. He said that IAEA is an important partner of Tsinghua University, and the two sides have long-standing deep cooperation in the field of nuclear science and technology. Wang expressed his hope to promote and expand collaboration with IAEA in advanced scientific research and talent cultivation, aiming at helping meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Grossi extended his positive remarks on the progresses made by Tsinghua University in nuclear energy and nuclear technology. He said that, currently, the world is facing serious challenges, which urges the world to carry out close cooperation. Universities and international organizations should play a leading role in global collaboration, using their respective strengths to promote S&T development and resolve practical difficulties. IAEA hopes to work closely with Tsinghua University to promote the welfare of the mankind.

Group photo of the meeting participants

Following the meeting, Mr. Grossi delivered a keynote speech entitled “great challenges are great opportunities” hosted by Prof. Jiang Shengyao, Vice Chairman of the University Council.

In his speech, Grossi said that this is the first time that he visits China as the DG of IAEA. China has grown into one of the leading nations in terms of nuclear activities.

He talked about a great challenge met by the world: How to provide reliable energy, nutritious food, safe water and good healthcare to everyone, while addressing catastrophic climate change and global warming, environmental pollution, and pandemics. He expressed his belief that “great challenges are great opportunities”, and that nuclear science and technology is one of the solutions to meet the challenge. He also expressed his optimism about China and the world’s ability to rise to challenges faced by the world.

Grossi said that the Paris Agreement had triggered a renewed interest in nuclear energy, which is a clean and sustainable form of energy. Nuclear is at rise not only in China, but also across the world. Nuclear science and technology helps us to meet the goal of having more energy while not aggravating global warming. He also mentioned the fact that nuclear energy is adapting to new circumstances and trying to provide new solutions, and the world is moving to smaller modular reactors (SMRs). Grossi said China had made marvelous achievements in nuclear energy. He indicated that his visit to China included an incredible project --- the Demonstration Nuclear Power Plant of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor - Pebble-bed Module (HTR-PM Demo) at Shidao Bay in Shandong Province of China, which was designed by Tsinghua University and its partners.

Grossi indicated that he also saw enormous potential for the uses of nuclear industry when it comes to food, water and healthcare. Nuclear technologies can help to address environment problems like micro plastic pollution, pandemics, water pollution, etc..

After the speech, Grossi had a warm Q&A session with the students and faculty present.

Grossi is delivering a speech

Mr. Liu Hua, Deputy DG of IAEA, Mr. Deng Ge, Secretary General of CAEA, Mr. Huang Ping, Deputy DG of the International Cooperation Department of CAEA; and related leaders from the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET), the Department of Engineering Physics (DEP), and the Office of International Office of Tsinghua University, etc., attended the meeting and the speech.

writer：The Office of Foreign Affairs

Editor: Tong Jiejuan