In recognition of the long-standing and continuously expanding cooperation between the Beihai University of Art and Design (BUAD), China, and the University of Pécs (UP), which also holds significant future potential, the University of Pécs has conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa upon Zheng Nianyi, President of BUAD. In addition, Prof. arch. Fabrizio Finucci, PhD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture of Roma Tre University, has been appointed Honorary University Professor in acknowledgement of his more than decade-long teaching and research activities and his intensive collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs (UP FEIT).

Both distinguished professors have made substantial contributions to strengthening the Faculty's international relations through their professional expertise and dedicated engagement.

Zheng Nianyi currently serves as President responsible for academic programmes at BUAD and has been closely involved in the cooperation between BUAD and UP FEIT since the establishment of the partnership. Joint activities, dating back to 2016, have since developed into a strategic-level partnership. The collaboration has been built upon two main pillars: the “Pécs Class Program” and the “MIK Scholarship of Excellence” initiative.

The former comprises a two-year preparatory programme that supports BUAD students in applying to the architecture programmes of UP FEIT, offering intensive English language training alongside practice-oriented courses focusing on architectural, creative, and visual communication skills. Many of these courses are delivered with the involvement of UP FEIT lecturers or through course validation. The latter pillar represents a merit-based scholarship programme, awarded to the three highest-performing students based on their admission results.

With Zheng Nianyi’s active contribution, a series of two-week professional training programmes has also been organised for students, academic leaders, and experts in educational development. A milestone in this cooperation was the signing of an institutional agreement between the two partners in 2023.

In spring 2024, BUAD hosted the “Design Saloon”, focusing on higher education practices in contemporary architecture and industrial design. Building on its success, a similar bilateral short-course programme was organised in spring 2025. Over the past two years, visiting delegations from Beihai have participated in intensive workshops in Pécs addressing education, research, and methodological development.

“This collaboration offers numerous advantages for our institution. It contributes to expanding our international academic network and enables us to integrate European educational methodologies and perspectives into our programmes. Faculty exchange initiatives, joint curriculum development, and professional forums, such as the ‘4.0 Era of Architectural Design Education’ discussion, all support the enhancement of educational quality and the strengthening of research activities. Joint programmes provide students with opportunities to pursue part of their studies abroad, gain insight into different education systems, and learn from academic staff from both institutions. Participation in interdisciplinary projects, particularly those linking architecture, design, technology, and cultural heritage, supports the development of practical skills while highlighting the cultural dimensions of design practice. As a result, students develop not only into well-prepared professionals, but also into cultural mediators capable of bridging different traditions and design approaches,” - emphasised Zheng Nianyi, newly awarded Honorary Doctor of the University of Pécs.

In recognition of his more than ten years of dedicated teaching and research work, as well as his intensive cooperation with UP FEIT, Prof. arch. Fabrizio Finucci, PhD, Associate Professor at Roma Tre University, has been awarded the title of Honorary University Professor.

Professor Finucci has served as scientific lead in numerous national and international research programmes. His publications appear in leading international journals, and he is the author and co-author of conference proceedings and academic monographs. He has delivered guest lectures and courses across several continents, including at the University of Pécs, thereby advancing international architectural education.

As Erasmus coordinator at Roma Tre University, he is responsible for partnerships with European and Mediterranean countries, including Hungary, significantly enhancing student and staff mobility between the University of Pécs and Roma Tre. He has also acted as principal investigator in several international research projects.

Beyond his outstanding academic and teaching performance, his long-standing commitment has actively supported the professional development of UP FEIT staff and students. His activities have increased the Faculty’s international visibility, enriched its educational portfolio, and strengthened its research collaborations.

“Our partnership with UP FEIT has enabled the development of joint research initiatives, primarily aimed at participation in international design competitions. Thanks to the consolidation of Erasmus/Pannonia agreements, student mobility, particularly from Pécs to Rome, has increased over the past two years.

Academic exchange programmes strengthen internationalisation and promote intercultural and interdisciplinary dialogue. International partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing and encourage diverse scientific approaches across a wide range of topics in architecture and urban studies.

The cooperation offers valuable international mobility opportunities for students, allowing them to experience different academic environments, participate in joint educational activities, and develop innovative approaches to complex challenges. Especially in architecture, these exchanges enable students to engage with diverse perspectives on urban and territorial issues, enhancing their analytical, intercultural, and problem-solving skills.

Such experiences broaden students’ academic horizons and better prepare them for international professional and research contexts, while also fostering a shared sense of European identity,” - summarised Fabrizio Finucci, newly appointed Honorary University Professor of the University of Pécs.