Director of USS Center for Energy Transition Presents Research in China
Dr. José Rodríguez presented 17 academic papers alongside his co-authors from China at the “10th International Conference on Power Electronics and Motion Control.” He also gave talks at three universities, including the prestigious Tsinghua University.
Dr. José Rodríguez, Director of the Center for Energy Transition at Universidad San Sebastián (USS), visited China in May to present his research in electrical engineering at three prestigious universities and one of the most important international conferences in the field, further consolidating his position in the global academic community.
Dr. Rodríguez began his visit in Beijing at Tsinghua University, ranked the top university in China and Asia, and 12th worldwide according to Times Higher Education. Reflecting on the significance of this visit, Dr. Rodríguez remarked: “The fact that someone from Universidad San Sebastián is present at institutions like these shows that USS is indeed connected to centers of world-class excellence.”
During his stay in China, he also visited North China Electric Power University and Southwest Jiaotong University, delivering lectures to postgraduate students and electrical engineering faculty. His talk, “Model Predictive Control: Basic Concepts, Applications, Advances and Trends”, explored the foundations and recent developments in model predictive control—a pivotal technique in engineering and automation systems.
Additionally, he presented the lecture “How to Write Highly Cited Papers” at both Tsinghua University and North China Electric Power University, sharing strategies for increasing the impact and visibility of scientific publications. This talk drew on his own experience, as one of the most cited researchers worldwide over the past decade, according to Clarivate Analytics.
Technological Exchange and Innovation
During his visit to Beijing, Dr. Rodríguez was also invited to tour the Xiaomi electric vehicle factory, where he witnessed first-hand the company’s significant advances in innovation, investment, and cutting-edge automotive technology.
“What impressed me the most was not only the advanced technology but also the high production standards. Their engines reach 27,000 revolutions per minute and have been compacted to be lighter without losing power,” he noted.
Federico Casanello, Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture and Design at USS, emphasized the importance of this international collaboration: “One of Chile’s greatest challenges is decarbonization, and clean energy plays a central role. Our Center for Energy Transition is focused on supporting the development of technologies that pave the way toward a truly sustainable energy future. Strengthening ties with global powers like China is essential.”
IPEMC ECCE – Asia 2024: A Global Platform in Chengdu
Dr. Rodríguez then traveled to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, to participate in the 10th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference (IPEMC ECCE – Asia 2024).
At the conference, he delivered a plenary lecture on model predictive control to an audience of more than 600 attendees, and led a practical workshop with nearly 100 participants. In total, he presented 17 academic papers co-authored with Chinese researchers, reflecting strong international collaboration.
“Power electronics is the key technology enabling the global transition from fossil fuels. It facilitates the use of renewable energy and allows, for example, the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles,” he explained. “This field is at the core of advanced technology and a focal point in global conferences across the United States, Asia, and Europe”.
IPEMC ECCE – Asia is one of the leading global conferences in power electronics, bringing together researchers, academics, and industry professionals to share experiences, build networks, and stay up to date with the latest scientific and technological advances.
“China is not only an economic powerhouse—it is also a scientific one. In my field, I have concrete proof of this. Without a doubt, China is the global scientific superpower,” Dr. Rodríguez concluded.