Enhancing Quality and Effectiveness of International Cooperation and Communication in the Power Institute through Research Collaboration with Industry and Universities

------A Visit from Professor Mario Farrugia of the University of Malta

From May 8th to May 10th, Professor Mario Farrugia from the University of Malta visited Harbin Engineering University's Power and Energy Engineering Institute to discuss the progress of the key special project under the national key research and development program "Government-to-Government International Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation." He engaged in in-depth discussions with faculty members of the Power Institute on talent cultivation, education, and teaching. Additionally, he was invited to participate in the "Yuan Chuang" Forum to deliver an academic presentation.

On May 8th, a meeting on the progress of the national key research and development program project was held in Room 204 of the Power Building. Project leaders from China and Malta, representatives from enterprises, as well as school and institute leaders attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Chinese project leader, Professor Ding Yu, the Maltese project leader, Professor Farrugia, and the responsible personnel from the participating Chinese units reported on the annual progress of the cooperative project and reached agreements on follow-up work arrangements.

On the morning of May 9th, Professor Farrugia had in-depth discussions with Vice Deans Professor Ding Yu and Professor Gao Jie of the Power Institute, as well as several other faculty members, regarding the cultivation of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral talents, as well as educational and teaching methods. These discussions provided valuable guidance for the institute's efforts in promoting the construction of new engineering disciplines and improving the quality of doctoral training.

In the afternoon of May 9th, Professor Farrugia, invited by the Science Association and the Youth Academic Association of the Power Institute, participated in the 14th session of the "Yuan Chuang" Forum and delivered an academic lecture. He explained the design and optimization of engine electronic control units (ECUs) and shared his research experience, analyzing the design requirements and operating characteristics of ECUs for different types of engines. The content covered numerical simulations and bench testing, comprehensively showcasing his research on internal combustion engine control.

On May 10th, Professor Farrugia engaged in in-depth discussions and interactions with faculty and student representatives of the institute regarding collaborative projects. They discussed topics such as the optimization of intake and exhaust timing in diesel/natural gas dual-fuel engines, optimization of combustion chamber structure, and fault diagnosis. Professor Farrugia provided valuable suggestions for students to carry out academic innovations based on existing conditions and encouraged them to actively participate in international academic conferences and other forms of cooperative exchanges. He emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest trends in science and technology to continuously broaden their research perspectives.

Professor Farrugia's visit was a concrete measure taken by the Power Institute to promote the implementation of the school's "Five Action Plans" through research collaboration. It served as a vivid practice to enhance the level of international cooperation and communication and played an active role in promoting high-quality scientific research and academic innovation, advancing the construction of new engineering disciplines, and improving the quality of doctoral training in the institute.