A signing ceremony for research collaboration between UM-SJTU JI and SJTU School of Aeronautics and Astronautics took place on September 27, 2011. Dexiu Ma, Chairwoman of University Council, and the leaders of both schools officiated.
SJTU Vice President Zhongqin Lin introduced the two institutes. He remarked that each school has its own characteristics and complements each other.
Dean Jun Ni of UM-SJTU JI commented that JI’s new model of hiring and recruitment can contribute to the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics which already has a strong research team and facility. If these two schools combine their resources and work together effectively it has a strong potential to surpass other aerospace schools in the country.
Dean Zhongliang Jing of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics said this collaboration is very meaningful on the third anniversary of their institute.  He remarked that even though they have a strong team and research environment , there is a bottleneck of international competition. If they can collaborate with JI in human resources and equipment, they can succeed in 3 to 5 years.
The agreement calls for three goals: a collaborative committee, hiring JI professors to join the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and providing offices and labs for the new faculty.
Dexiu Ma, Chairwoman of University Council, emphasized the significance of this collaboration . JI will elevate the status of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, which will serve as a model for other schools of SJTU; therefore, on behalf of other schools of SJTU, she is thankful for this collaboration.
She remarked that this is a win-win collaboration. JI’s new hiring model and world-class faculty can help with the jet-engine research currently in progress at SJTU.
However, Ma cautioned, there are challenges to this collaboration. The university supports it, but it is up to the committee to develop a plan to implement this collaboration, especially in the area of dual appointment and resource sharing.
Dean Ni and Dean Jing signing the agreement with other officials witnessing