Jiangnan University (江南大学), located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, is a nationally renowned public research university recognized for its leadership in food science and engineering, biotechnology, and light industry disciplines. As a key institution under China's Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University holds a vital position in both academic and industrial sectors, particularly within the food and beverage technology ecosystem.
Brief History
Jiangnan University traces its origins back to 1902 and was officially established under its current name in 1958. It evolved from the Department of Food Industry of Nanjing Institute of Technology and has since grown into a comprehensive university that integrates engineering, science, management, literature, law, medicine, and arts, with a distinctive focus on industry-related disciplines.
Core Academic and Research Focus
The university’s strengths lie in:
- Food Science and Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Fermentation Engineering
- Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Textile and Clothing Design
- Environmental Science and Engineering
It is the highest ranked institution globally in the field of Food Science and Technology according to the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, consistently placing #1 worldwide in recent years.
Research and Innovation Capacity
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology – A nationally supported research hub for innovation in food safety, fermentation processes, and functional ingredients.
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Food Safety and Nutrition
- Operates over 50 specialized research institutes and laboratories
These platforms enable industry-academia collaboration and commercialization of high-tech food products and bioengineering solutions.
Academic Strength
- Faculty: Over 2,600 faculty members, including 8 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
- Students: More than 30,000 full-time students, including 8,000 postgraduates and 1,000+ international students from over 80 countries.
- Global Rankings:
- #1 in Food Science and Technology globally (ShanghaiRanking)
- Top 50 in Agricultural Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject)
Industry and International Collaboration
Jiangnan University maintains partnerships with over 160 universities and research institutions worldwide, including the University of California, Wageningen University, and the Technical University of Munich. It has deep ties with industry giants in the food and biotech sectors such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Yili, Mengniu, and Tsingtao Brewery, driving applied research and product development.
Capabilities and Facilities
- 220-hectare main campus equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and research infrastructure
- Incubators and pilot plants for technology transfer and industrialization
- Technology parks focused on bioprocessing, food innovation, and green packaging
- Dedicated platforms for startup support and patent commercialization
Certifications and Recognition
- "Double First-Class" Initiative University (Top-level government-supported project for world-class disciplines)
- Recognized as a "211 Project" university by the Chinese government, reflecting strategic national importance
- Holds numerous national patents and publishes in leading SCI-indexed journals
Impact and Achievements
- Holds more than 3,000 patents, with active technology transfer to domestic and international enterprises
- Published over 10,000 SCI papers in the past decade, especially in food, biotech, and engineering journals
- Developed multiple food processing technologies and functional food ingredients now used commercially
- Alumni network spans global academia, industry, and government sectors
Jiangnan University continues to serve as a powerhouse of innovation and talent development in China’s food, biotechnology, and industrial research sectors, contributing to national food security, health science, and sustainable industry development.