On April 15, Tsinghua University and Imperial College London officially signed an agreement to launch the Tsinghua-Imperial Innovation Fund, aimed at supporting novel, groundbreaking scientific ideas in their early research stages.
According to the announcement, the fund will focus on key areas including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and materials science. Each institution has committed $5 million (totaling $10 million) over five years to finance joint research projects between the two universities.
Professor Li Lusong, President of Tsinghua University, emphasized: 'International cooperation is key to addressing global challenges. This fund will enable young researchers and leading professors to explore new directions together.'
On behalf of Imperial College London, President Professor Hugh Brady stated: 'Bold ideas often emerge from the intersection of disciplines. We hope this fund will help turn scientific aspirations into reality.'
This is the first joint fund between top universities in Asia and Europe in the field of basic research. Scientists can submit project proposals starting in June, with selection results announced by the end of the year.
