The EU-China Research Partnership Forum took place in Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) on June 8, to celebrate the university's 120th anniversary. Heads of 20 university business schools from China and Europe participated in the forum.

"As the Beijing Jiaotong University celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, it is endeavoring to build itself into a world first-class university with its own characteristics," said Ning Bin, president of BJTU, adding that the university has a lot of emphasis on international exchanges and cooperation, especially in scientific research.

The BJTU has expanded its international reputation and influence by establishing the high-speed research centers with Russia and the UK and a global supply chain and logistics institute. The university also provides overseas training on transportation management.

Also speaking at the forum were EU officials who introduced the Horizon 2020, the EU's biggest research and innovation program. It has around 80 billion euros ($90 billion) in funding for the 2014 - 20 period, and is open to everyone, connecting leading research teams and individuals in and outside the EU and giving overseas researchers the opportunity to access European knowledge, data, and infrastructures.

The BJTU encourages and supports more scientific researchers to take part in the program, said Ning.

The Horizon 2020 program has launched cooperation with China in the past two years in food, agricultural and biological technology, water, information communication, nanotechnology, and research of aerospace and polar region.