The International Affairs Office of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has opened applications for its 2026 Global Challenge Program.

Launched in 2018, the program aims to support the Belt and Road Initiative while leveraging the university's role as a world-class institution in talent cultivation. It encourages students to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering innovative thinking, enhancing global competence, and cultivating a sense of responsibility toward building a community with a shared future for humanity. The program also serves to enhance SJTU's international reputation and influence.

I. Program objectives

The Global Challenge Program is a one-year initiative dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development. Through field research projects tailored to local contexts, the program equips students with the ability to identify, analyze, and solve real-world problems, while broadening their global perspectives and fostering the ability to engage effectively across diverse cultures.

The program primarily targets countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including those in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Project leaders should form interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and cross-grade teams aligned with the program's goals. They may collaborate with designated commissioning parties or local partners to develop project plans, organizing effective fieldwork, research, and related activities.

Proposals should clearly outline expected outcomes with sustainable development potential, potential real-world impact, and concrete pathways and measures for implementing the results.

Additionally, project leaders are required to promote international exchange and understanding by visiting local universities to organize SJTU DAY events and strengthen project communication and outreach through photos, videos, and interviews, as well as coverage in local mainstream media.

II. Application requirements

For 2026, project proposals are open to the entire SJTU community. Priority funding will be awarded to projects aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Collaborations with external or international partners are also encouraged. The specific requirements are as follows:

1.  Project leader

- Must be a full-time faculty member at SJTU engaged in teaching and research.

- Must be proficient in English.

- Must have an established collaborative foundation with the project's target local institutions.

- Must have experience in guiding student teams in teaching and research activities.

2.  Team members

- Preference will be given to interested students from across the university.

- Each team should invite one or more faculty members specializing in relevant research fields or representatives from the commissioning party as advisors. International faculty members are encouraged to participate.

- Each team should include one or two project management members, who should be faculty members, and one dedicated publicity officer. They are jointly responsible for project organization, communication and coordination, expense reimbursement, and all related international exchange and communication efforts.

III. Project application

Project leaders are required to complete the application form, submit it for review and approval by the responsible leader of their school or department, and affix the official seal. Both the Word document of the form and its scanned copy bearing the official seal should be sent to the program's contact email. The email subject line should follow this format: "School/Department Abbreviation + Project Leader's Name + 2026 Global Challenge Program Application".

IV. Program schedule

1.  Proposal review:

Based on recommendations, the International Affairs Office will invite experts to hold a project review meeting by the end of March. Upon evaluation, outstanding projects will be selected for funding and publicity.

2. Project guidance:

The office will organize a project implementation guidance session for approved project leaders by the end of April, providing policy interpretation and guidance on project implementation standards, safety, and required international communication and exchange tasks.

3. Mid-term review:

Approved projects are required to determine their own mid-term review timeline based on the implementation plan and report their project progress and difficulties encountered to the office.

4. Project completion:

Project leaders must submit a final report comprising a Word document and PowerPoint to the office by the end of October. The report should detail the implementation process, project outcomes, specific pathways and measures for implementing the results, challenges encountered, and any suggestions or feedback. Leaders of outstanding projects will be invited to share their experiences at the university's project summary meeting in early December.

V. Budget and funding

Project funding covers expenses such as printing, domestic and international travel for team members, conference fees, and necessary personnel compensation.

Project leaders must prepare a detailed project budget plan in the application form and confirm it upon approval to minimize repeated adjustments during implementation. If changes are necessary, the leader should provide the reason and specific details at least 10 working days in advance via email. The office may approve requests based on overall funding availability.

The office will disburse 75 percent of the approved funding after the project leader submits the list of team members. The remaining 25 percent will be disbursed after the project leader submits the final report and passes review. All project expense reimbursements must be completed by December 31. Project extensions will not be permitted.

VI. Other requirements

For further details, please contact the SJTU International Affairs Office.

Note: The International Affairs Office reserves the right of final interpretation.

VII. Contact

Name: Liu Jian

Email: janeliu@sjtu.edu.cn

Office: Room 300, Building 3, Donghui Yuan, Minhang Campus, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of GLOBAL SJTU (ID: "GLOBAL_SJTU"), Shanghai Jiao Tong University International Affairs Office