From December 1st to 3rd , 2023 Peking University "Boya M-Talents" National Doctoral Academic Forum of Materials Science was successfully held at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, this forum was organized by Peking University Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, and the School of Materials Science and Engineering (referred as MSE), and also was part of a series of activities promoting collaboration between the northern and southern campuses of MSE. Responding to Peking University's "Global Engagement Year" initiative, the forum invited international experts and scholars from Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and other countries/regions to engage in in-depth discussions on the cutting-edge research exchanges in the field of emerging materials with Ph.D. students from 18 universities and research institutes nationwide, exchanging knowledge and insights in different research fields.
Opening ceremony
On the morning of December 2nd, 2023, the opening ceremony of the forum took place at the Conference Center of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. The ceremony was hosted by Ting Lei, Assistant Dean of MSE. Ming Li, Secretary of the Party Committee of MSE, delivered a warmly opening speech, extending a welcome to outstanding Ph.D. students nationwide. He hoped that everyone could learn from each other, engage in in-depth discussions, and make new friends.
During the subsequent presentation session, Professor Loh Kian Ping from Hong Kong Polytechnic University delivered a plenary talk. His presentations were titled “Topological Phase of Weyl Semimetal and Topological Insulators”. Professor Feng Pan from the Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School gave a plenary talk entitled "Exploring Material Genes and Structure Chemistry in Li-ion Batteries" followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
Theme sub-forums
In the afternoon of December 2ndand the morning of December 3rd, the sub-forums took place at the Guofa Building of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. The discussions focus on emerging materials, optoelectronic materials, composite materials, new energy materials, and other topics. Scholars from the University of Tokyo, The Physical and Chemical Research Institute (RIKEN), Southern University of Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen University, and Shenzhen University were invited to deliver keynote speeches. Seventy-eight doctoral students with selected papers presented their research through English oral reports. On-site judges provided feedback, engaged in discussions, offered advice on raised issues from the papers, and particularly commended the academic perspectives and innovative consciousness of the subsequent researchers in this forum.
Academic Poster Exhibition
On the evening of December 2nd, to showcase the outstanding academic research achievements of Ph.D. students in the field of materials science nationwide and to encourage exploration and innovation, an exhibition consisting of 40 excellent academic posters was displayed along the Mirror Lake at Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. The posters were visually appealing, rich in content, distinctive, and adhered to rigorous standards. The exhibition attracted a large audience of faculty and students who engaged in lively discussions and mutual learning, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
Closing ceremony and award ceremony
On the afternoon of December 3rd, the forum's closing ceremony and award ceremony were held at the Conference Center of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, chaired by Professor Yinguo Xiao, Associate Dean of MSE, Shenzhen. Distinguished speakers included Professor Jiong Lv, Chair Professor from the National University of Singapore, and Professor Mingyu Li, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen). They delivered presentations titled "Atomic-precision in Nanosciences and Nanocatalysis" and "Silver Nanowire Aerogels and Their Applications in the Field of Flexible Electronics," respectively.
Following the presentations, the award ceremony took place. A total of 21 outstanding presentation awards and 14 excellent poster awards were presented, and honorary certificates were awarded to the winning students by the attending guests.
In conclusion, Professor Ruqiang Zou, the Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering delivered the closing remarks. He expressed gratitude and profound respect to the distinguished guests, appreciation to the organizing committee and volunteers, and hearty congratulations to the award-winning students. Professor Ruqiang Zou summarized the forum and provided three suggestions for doctoral students to conduct high-quality research: First, to adhere to serving the strategic needs of the country, addressing key issues as dedicated contributors. Second, to uphold pure academic ideals, always seeking truth and being diligent workers. Next, to strengthen interdisciplinary research collaboration, integrating and sharing resources for expansive development. Last, Professor Ruqiang Zou conveyed sincere expectations to the attending doctoral students, hoping that more individuals would engage in research and innovation in materials science, collectively contributing to sustainable development.
