Shanghai Jiao Tong University launched construction of its new Chongming campus on Oct 28, marking a significant step towards expanding its research and education endeavors.

Located in Chenjiazhen Education Park, Shanghai's Chongming district, the first phase of the project will occupy about 350 mu (23.33 hectares) and is expected to complete construction within 600 days.

Focusing on agriculture, ecology, global health, low-carbon initiatives and related disciplines, the campus will host a full-time student body of 2,000—comprising 500 undergraduates, 1,200 master's degree students and 300 doctoral degree candidates.

The campus will also accommodate a faculty and staff of 600. The first group of students is expected to arrive in September 2026.

The project stems from a strategic cooperation agreement signed in June 2021 by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Chongming district and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The Chongming campus aims to establish a world-class agricultural program and cultivate a cluster of internationally focused disciplines dedicated to health, low-carbon development and ecological sustainability.

The university plans to invest in impactful research platforms, including a Future Agriculture Innovation Center, a Global Health Research Institute and an ecological and environmental field observation research station.

The initiatives will seek to address critical challenges, including innovations in seed technology.

Li Jun, head of Chongming district, said the implementation of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Chongming Campus project would provide strong support.

This would be directed at guiding more scientific and technological talent to innovate and create in Chongming, promoting the high-quality development of Chongming's agriculture, and to building a carbon-neutral demonstration zone.

He emphasized the significance of the project in developing a world-class ecological island and pledged the district's full support and cooperation in ensuring its success.

With a total investment of 2.17 billion yuan ($304.09 million), the campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities. These will include teaching and research labs, administrative offices, a library, dining hall and student dormitories.

The development will cover a total construction area of 162,300 square meters.

Source: Shanghai Observer