Draft about a programme of co-financed science & technology graduate theses in italian (and chinese) universities.

In order to develop scientific collaborations between China and Italy, and in the long term to form human resources necessary for future relations between the two countries,

we want to start a programme of exchanges of students and young graduates (particularly Chinese in Italy, but also viceversa) to perform a research activity agreed between the two institutions, in the form of a thesis assignment.

The starting point is the definition of a subject of common interest for both institutions, with direct contacts, an offer from one side and/or a request from the other, of Internet search, etc. For this the S&T office at the Embassies could help to collect and distribute information.

Rather than offering scholarships, we think of only covering expenses (this allows some reduction of cost)

with contributions from three parts: the host university (the central government may then think of incentives to them), the research group hosting the student (on its research budget), and the sender side (the sending institution, the student himself, local or central authorities,...).

As an example, in Italy we could divide the expenses in three parts: canteen, lodging and other expenses (weekend food, local transport, air ticket). On the average we can estimate each of these items to be around 250 Euro/month. No tuition fee would be requested.

For example, the university could cover the canteen (and insurance, of course), the research group the lodging, and the chinese side the rest.

In this way we think that a larger number of thesis stages could be realised (rather that finding a few scholarships). Of course the system should be flexible. For example in case of a thesis organised between a university and a company, the company could cover all local expenses. A chinese company might also sponsor a student, etc.