On June 11, 2025, Professor Stefano Follesa and his delegation from the University of Florence, Italy, visited Nanjing University of the Arts (NUA) and delivered an academic lecture at the School of Industrial Design. Professor Zhang Jie, Vice President of NUA, received the guests. Representatives from the Office of International Exchange, the Graduate School, and the School of Industrial Design also participated in the reception.

During the meeting, Vice President Zhang warmly welcomed Professor Follesa and his delegation, reviewed the previous exchanges between NUA and the University of Florence, and inquired about the latest developments in Italy’s education policies. He expressed NUA’s strong interest in further deepening cooperation with the University of Florence. Professor Follesa shared his views on the use of technological tools in student training, the cultivation of students’ practical skills, independent thinking, and critical thinking, as well as his ideas for further collaboration between NUA and the University of Florence. Subsequently, leaders and faculty members from the Office of International Exchange, the Graduate School, and the School of Industrial Design introduced their perspectives on deepening cooperation between the two universities based on their respective areas.

The discussions focused on further enhancing cooperation, talent development, faculty and student exchanges, and curriculum and research collaboration. Both sides explored ways to jointly supervise students in coursework and research projects, co-host summer schools and workshops, and confirmed concrete next steps including the preparation of a joint research project list and cooperation plan, as well as the 2026 summer school. Multiple agreements were reached on collaboration in cross-cultural design talent cultivation and joint academic initiatives, aiming to build a new platform for Sino-European cooperation and exchange in the field of design.