Published by: Chen Zichuan and Zhou Yan Edited by: Chen Zichuan
WUST News (Reporters: Chen Zichuan and Zhou Yan) On the morning of December 28, 2024, the 2nd Xiangtao Forum for Young Scholars From Home and Abroad opened at the Biyuan Hall in the Qingshan Campus. More than 100 young scholars from home and abroad gathered at Wuhan University of Science and Technology to focus on academic frontiers, spark innovation, and foster friendships and collaborations. The main forum was attended by Wang Ying, Deputy Director of the Talent Office of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee, Xu Yanbing, Secretary of the WUST Party Committee, Ni Hongwei, President of the WUST, and Lyu Yong and Ma Teng, Vice Presidents of the WUST. Lyu Yong presided over the main forum.
On behalf of WUST, Xu Yanbing extended a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to all the guests and young scholars present. He briefly reviewed the achievements of the First International Youth Scholar Xiangtao Forum in talent introduction and cultivation, emphasizing the crucial role of young talents in supporting and leading the university's development. He also outlined the university's unique advantages in four aspects: development opportunities, cultural heritage, academic reputation, and research strength. Xu Yanbing pointed out that WUST has a longstanding tradition of valuing education, openness, inclusivity, and cherishing talents, and reaffirmed WUST's unchanging commitment to attracting and nurturing talents. He stressed that WUST will continue to enhance its services for talents by providing the best environment, top-tier services, and competitive talent policies. He also stressed WUST's ongoing focus on cultivating outstanding talents and reserve cadres and offering targeted support for talent development. WUST looks forward to the participation of young scholars to contribute to its "Double First-Class" aspirations.
Wang Ying introduced the relevant talent policies of Hubei Province and congratulated the smooth opening of the Forum on behalf of the Talent Office of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee. She remarked that WUST is a leader among Hubei's provincial universities and expressed hope that WUST will continue to strengthen the role of Xiangtao Forum in talent development, foster more strategic scientific talents and meet urgent talent shortages, contributing to the Chinese-style modernization of Hubei Province. Wang Ying also expressed that the Talent Office of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee will continue to focus on and support the development of talents in WUST, strive to create better conditions, and do its best to serve the talents. She warmly welcomed all young talents to join and contribute to the development of Hubei Province.
Ni Hongwei delivered a keynote speech entitled Upholding Integrity for A Century, Innovating for First-Class Together. In the report, he comprehensively outlined WUST's 126-year development journey and remarkable achievements from six aspects: talent cultivation, disciplinary development, faculty building, research output, social engagement and talent ecosystem. Ni Hongwei said that over the course of 126 years, the WUST has shouldered national responsibilities and met the needs of national development, contributing to the phrase "in sync with the country, progressing with the times". He added that, standing at a new starting point, the university now more than ever needs and eagerly welcomes young scholars from both home and abroad to join WUST, and contribute to its development, and that WUST has the confidence and strength to build a great platform for every young talent who wishes to join the cause of the WUST, creating a great stage for their careers and lives.
Representatives from the School of Materials and Metallurgy, School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Energy, School of Medicine, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, and other enrollment units presented their discipline development. Professor Fu Lyuping, Dean of the School of International Education, who was selected in Hong Kong Scholars Program and Important Talent Program in Hubei Province, shared his growth path at WUST. Professor Xu Xue, a postdoctoral fellow from Harvard University who was selected in Important Talent Program in Hubei Province, shared her journey returning to China and her experiences and insights upon joining WUST. Representatives from relevant functional departments and directly affiliated units introduced WUST's research platforms, public platform for analysis and testing, and talent situation.
The current forum, themed "Upholding Integrity for A Century, Innovating for First-Class Together" with the aim of pooling intelligence and driving the construction of the "Double First-Class" initiative, has attracted over 700 young scholars from more than 10 countries and regions. The forum serves as a talent gathering event devoted to providing a platform for academic exchanges among young talents both at home and abroad, showcasing academic achievements, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
After the main forum, the participating young scholars dispersed to 18 departments and schools for separate sub-forums. Through hands-on experiences, special seminars, and exchange sessions, they gained deeper insights into the discipline development, research environment, and development planning of each department/school.
Officials from relevant departments of WUST, as well as young teachers from related disciplines, also participated in the sub-forums.
