From June 18th to 21st, 2025, at the invitation of Samara National Research University (referred to as "Samara University"), Wang Zhiwu, the vice dean of the School of Power and Energy of Northwestern Polytechnical University, and Zheng Guanghua, the director of the Russia-Ukraine Exchange Center, led a delegation to visit and exchange in Russia. This visit focused on key topics such as scientific research collaboration in the field of aero engines, optimization of the "Lingyun Class" dual-degree joint training program, and the introduction of international young talents. The delegation was also invited to attend the International Conference on the Development of Frontier Technologies for the "Kuznetsov" Aero Engine. During the visit, the delegation also visited all the students of the School of Power and Energy studying at Samara University.

I. Discussing the Frontiers of Power: Sharing and Exchange at High-level Conferences

On June 18th, the delegation attended the main forum of the "Kuznetsov" International Conference on Frontier Technology Development for Aero-engine Development. They engaged in in-depth exchanges with experts and scholars from the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM), the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials (VIAM), the Kuznetsov Design Bureau, the Klimov Design Bureau, Kazan National Research Technical University (KNRTU), and other institutions on hot topics in the aero-engine field such as digital design, structural optimization, and advanced materials and manufacturing

 Deputy Dean Wang Zhiwu was invited to deliver a keynote report titled "Research on Detonation Initiation in Pulse Detonation Tubes" at the main forum, introducing the latest research progress in China's pulse detonation field, which garnered widespread attention. Additionally, the delegation participated in two specialized sub-forums: "Low-Temperature Systems and Fundamentals of Thermal Engineering for Energy Conversion" and "Modern Design and Modeling Optimization of Gas Turbine Machinery," engaging in academic exchanges with relevant scholars

II. Into the Core of Scientific Research: A Field Visit to the Nurturing Ground of the "Soaring Class"

During their visit to Samara University, the delegation conducted on-site inspections of key scientific research and teaching platforms, including the Aerodynamics Research and Education Center, the Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, the Department of Automatic Control of Power Plants, and the Combustion Laboratory. These visits allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the teaching resources and learning conditions available to students in the "Soaring Class" dual-degree program.

Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as combustion issues in gas turbine engines, nozzle design, and the innovative application of additive manufacturing in processing hot-end components. These exchanges paved the way for further exploration of deepening scientific research collaboration.

The delegation also specifically examined the teaching service system and practical training conditions at Samara University. They highly appraised the operational effectiveness of the "Soaring Class" and proposed suggestions, including further aligning the curriculum with specialized modules from the Chinese side and enhancing the construction of teaching resources

III. Tracing the Origins of Propulsion: A Visit to the Aero Engine History Museum

The delegation visited the Samara University Museum of Aero Engine History. It is currently the most comprehensive specialized museum of aero engines in Russia and indeed worldwide, serving as a "microcosm of the development of Russian aviation propulsion." The exhibitions cover major Soviet/Russian aero engine models from the World War II period to the present, especially the NK series engines from the Kuznetsov Design Bureau, completely presenting the development trajectory of Russian aero engine technology.

The tour was personally guided by the museum director, Professor Zrelov V.A. He is the first expert in Russia to obtain a Doctor of Sciences degree with a research focus on "Aero Engine History." Drawing on rich historical materials, he delivered a profound and vivid "lesson on the history of aviation propulsion" for the delegation, covering the industrial system, technological evolution, and international influence. This deeply inspired the faculty and students present, further strengthening their original aspiration for scientific research: "learning from history to forge the future."

IV. A New Chapter Begins with the "Soaring" Defense; A Warm Farewell in the "Last Lesson"

On June 20, the delegation attended the undergraduate thesis defense for the graduating class of 2021 from the "Soaring Class". The review experts fully affirmed the students' solid professional competence and strong scientific research capabilities demonstrated in a cross-cultural environment, and encouraged them to continue leveraging the integrated advantages of Sino-Russian engineering education in their subsequent postgraduate studies .

During the "Last Lesson" with the "Soaring Class" students, Deputy Dean Wang Zhiwu expressed great appreciation for their thesis projects, which demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the entire aero-engine development process. He earnestly entrusted the students with these words: treasure your study abroad time, strengthen your beliefs, excel academically, and aspire to contribute to the nation; pass on the torch by enhancing communication between upper and lower classes, helping and supporting each other; and master Russian to extensively learn from Russia's strengths .