From January 30 to February 4, 2026, at the invitation of Ambo University in Ethiopia, Cui Qiushi, Chinese Principal Investigator of an iUNRC Innovation Fund Project and Associate Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University (CQU), led a delegation to visit the university. During the visit, the delegation engaged in a series of activities, including special academic lectures, on-site laboratory tours, and science popularization and cultural presentations. The two sides reached broad consensus on deepening the application of artificial intelligence in power systems, talent cultivation, and cultural exchange, injecting new momentum into the pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and African universities.
The Chongqing University delegation visiting Ambo University
Hosting Academic Lectures to Share Cutting-Edge Research Achievements
From January 30 to 31, the CQU delegation was invited to deliver special academic reports at Ambo University. The presentations were given by Assoc. Prof. Cui Qiushi and Master's student Chen Haojia, titled "From Sensing to Decision–Making: How Multimodal Large Models Reshape Predictive Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis of Power Equipment" and "Multi-timescale Reward-oriented Safe Peak Regulation Method for Large-scale Distributed Photovoltaic Systems with Augmented States," respectively. These lectures systematically showcased CQU's latest research progress regarding the application of AI in power systems. The attending experts engaged in in-depth exchanges on related research fields, laying a solid foundation for future project collaboration.
Cui Qiushi from Chongqing University delivering an academic report
Master's student Chen Haojia from Chongqing University delivering an academic report
Group photo of the CQU delegation with faculty and students of Ambo University after the academic report
Touring Laboratories to Explore New Paths for Cooperation
From February 1 to 2, the delegation conducted an on-site visit to the teaching and research laboratories of Ambo University's Department of Electrical Engineering. The Ambo University representatives detailed their experimental equipment and research background in areas such as power system simulation, renewable energy utilization, and electrical materials. The CQU delegation spoke highly of Ambo University's investment in electrical engineering education and expressed the hope to establish a closer scientific research collaboration mechanism under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two sides held in-depth discussions on joint laboratory construction, equipment and resource sharing, and the joint training of graduate students.
The CQU delegation visiting the Electrical Engineering Laboratory at Ambo University
The head of the Ambo University laboratory introducing the facility's basic conditions
Holding Roundtable Discussions to Reach Consensus and Chart a New Blueprint for Cooperation
On February 3, the delegation held a roundtable meeting with Ambo University President Bayissa Leta Danno and other officials to discuss joint talent cultivation and scientific research cooperation. The meeting clarified that both parties will focus on the fields of new energy and electrical engineering. Relying on their respective advantageous resources, they will collaborate closely in student training, faculty exchanges, and joint applications for international research projects. The President of Ambo University stated that he would actively coordinate internal resources to provide policy support and necessary conditions for the collaboration, striving to translate these cooperative intentions into substantive results as soon as possible. The CQU delegation responded positively, expressing their willingness to work hand in hand with Ambo University to create a model for China-Africa university cooperation.
Group photo of the CQU delegation with Ambo University President Bayissa Leta Danno and others
Bringing Science Popularization to Campus to Build a China-Africa Cultural Bridge
On February 4, the delegation visited the Ambo Ifa Boru Special Boarding Secondary School to host a science popularization and cultural presentation event for local middle and high school students. Cui Qiushi used accessible language to introduce Chinese culture, the wonders of electrical science, and China's development achievements in the new energy sector. Through interactive Q&A sessions, he sparked the students' interest in engineering and technology. This activity not only popularized scientific knowledge but also enhanced the Ethiopian youth's understanding of Chinese culture and their friendship with China, demonstrating the strong sense of social responsibility of Chinese universities.
Cui Qiushi delivering a science popularization presentation at a local middle school
Group photo of the CQU delegation with teachers and students of Ambo Ifa Boru Secondary School
This visit marks a significant step by Chongqing University in actively responding to the national "Belt and Road" Initiative and expanding educational and technological cooperation with Africa. Through in-depth exchanges with Ambo University in academic research, talent cultivation, and science popularization, both sides have not only solidified the foundation of their cooperation but also explored a new model for the synergistic development of Chinese and African universities in the fields of new energy and electrical engineering. Looking ahead, both parties will maintain close communication to promote the implementation of cooperative outcomes, jointly contributing wisdom and strength to the global energy transition and technological progress.
