Published by: Qin Yu   Editor: Qin Yu

WUST News (Reporter: Qin Yu) - On the occasion of the World Digital Education Conference, the Ministry of Education officially approved the establishment of WUST-Madrid Complutense Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology through collaboration between Wuhan University of Science and Technology (WUST) and Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). On May 15, UCM President Joaquín Goyache Goñi led a delegation to visit the WUST for in-depth discussions regarding the admissions and development plans for the Institute. Xu Yanbing, Party Secretary of the University, and Lv Yong, Member of the Party Standing Committee Vice President, attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Xu Yanbing and Joaquín Goyache Goñi jointly unveiled the plaque for the WUST-Madrid Complutense Institute, Wuhan University of Science and Technology.

Xu Yanbing emphasized that this partnership stems from the friendly diplomatic relations between China and Spain and China’s education opening-up policy. It represents the culmination of joint efforts by both countries’ education authorities, embassies, and the two universities. The Institute will focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and intelligent systems. By integrating UCM’s high-quality educational resources, it aims to cultivate internationally competitive interdisciplinary talents with expertise in "AI + multi-disciplinary backgrounds," establish an innovative model college with exemplary significance, and contribute to global digital education development.

Xu further noted that future cooperation will expand to joint master’s and doctoral programs, addressing national strategic needs and Hubei Province’s "51020" modern industrial system to explore new paradigms for university-regional collaboration.

Joaquín Goyache Goñi stated that the Institute marks UCM’s second overseas campus following its 1990 establishment at Harvard University, signifying a breakthrough in Sino-Spanish higher education cooperation. He expressed confidence that the college will serve as a bridge for educational and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Vice President Lv Yong outlined the Institute’s progress in enrollment planning, faculty allocation, and resource development. Juan Carlos Izquierdo, Director of UCM’s International Office, confirmed that a foreign dean has been appointed and will commence duties at WUST shortly.

Following the meeting, the UCM delegation toured WUST’s Huangjiahu Campus.

Attendees included Ana María Quiroga Rey, Director of the President's Office at UCM, Tang Chao, representative for China-Spanish cooperative education, and heads of various departments at WUST, including the Party and Administration Office, Undergraduate School, Office of International Relations, Finance Department, School of Science, and the School of Artificial Intelligence and Automation.

The Institute will commence enrollment in its inaugural year. The first intake will offer three undergraduate programs: Robotics Engineering, Information and Computing Science, and Statistics, all included in China’s national higher education enrollment plan under a "4+0" dual-certification model. Eligible students will be registered at both universities and receive diplomas/degrees from WUST and UCM upon fulfilling graduation requirements.

Founded in 1499, UCM is one of Europe's oldest universities. It ranks 164th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, first in Spain and fourth in Southern Europe. Its alumni seven Nobel laureates and over 50 Spanish political leaders since the 20th century, including a king and three prime ministers. The university comprises 26 faculties, 133 departments, 15 university clinics and hospitals, and 10 research support centers.