On August 16, 2024, after successfully concluding the 2024 International Conference for Sensors Technology and Applications in Ireland, the delegation of China Instrument and Control Society proceeded to City, University of London for a productive visit and exchange. The delegation consisted of 13 representatives from various organizations, including the China Instrument and Control Society, Shenzhen Technology Institute of Urban Public Safety, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Hanwei Electronics Group Corporation, Anhui Tiankang (Group) Co., Ltd., and Beijing University of Technology.

City, University of London warmly welcomed the delegation, extending special invitations to Professor Kenneth Grattan, former President of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO) and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, as well as Ms. Steff Smith, Secretary General of the Institute of Measurement and Control (Inst MC). Through an engaging presentation, Professor Grattan provided a comprehensive overview of the university’s rich history, cutting-edge academic programs, and diverse admissions landscape, showcasing the profound foundation of this institution in higher education.

Professor Grattan then personally guided the delegation through an in-depth exploration of the educational environment in the campus, including the main academic building, the welcoming student cafeteria, and communal areas designed for student interaction and study. Although the university, located in the heart of the city, does not have a sprawling campus in the traditional sense, it has creatively utilized nearby student residences and partner institutions to establish a vibrant and innovative environment.

The delegation, under the guidance of Professor Grattan, focused on inspecting several research platforms, including the Optical Sensors Laboratory and the Chemical Sensors Laboratory, gaining in-depth insights into the advanced materials, precision instruments, and research achievements of each laboratory. In particular, at the Optical Sensors Laboratory, Dr. Wei Junxiong, R&D Director of Hanwei Electronics Group Corporation, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Professor Grattan on the latest advancements in fiber optic sensing technology, the stringent requirements for high-precision manufacturing processes, and a wealth of engineering application cases. They also broadly exchanged ideas on successful experiences in promoting the integration of industry, academia, research, and application, laying a solid foundation for potential future collaboration.

After the visit, Researcher Liu Yuan from the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, expressed that the tour of City, University of London and the exchange with Professor Grattan left a deep impression on her. She was profoundly moved by the university’s rich heritage, which spans over a century, and was particularly struck by how the student-centered educational philosophy permeates every detail of the campus. Additionally, she found Professor Grattan’s expertise in the principles of fiber optic sensing and its wide-ranging applications across various fields to be especially remarkable.

Finally, on behalf of all members, Ms. Shan Huimin, Director of the International Department of the China Instrument and Control Society, expressed sincere gratitude to Professor Grattan and City, University of London. She emphasized that this visit not only deepened mutual understanding in their respective professional fields but also opened up new possibilities for future collaboration. The China Instrument and Control Society intends to take this opportunity to actively explore and innovate bilateral and multilateral exchange formats, further enhancing a stable and long-term international exchange mechanism. This will create a broader platform for academic exchange and cooperation on a global scale. She also warmly invited more experts and scholars from international organizations to visit China, fostering the shared advancement and prosperity of the scientific and technological sectors.