In the afternoon of 7th June, the inaugural summary meeting of GIFT Future Scholar Program and the launching ceremony of the second phase were held with great enthusiasm. The event was attended by Hu Weiwei, deputy secretary of SJTU Party Committee and vice president of SJTU, Wu Jingyi, deputy director of SJTU Council and director of GIFT Teaching Steering Committee, Chen Xuejun, deputy director of Science and Technology Bureau of Xishan District, Zou Weiwen, deputy dean of Science and Research Institute and dean of Institute of Advanced Technology and Equipment, Meng Xiangqi, deputy dean of Student Affairs Department, Zhang Xiaoli, vice dean of National College of Excellence for Engineers, Wang Hongdong, deputy director of Academic Affairs Department, Ni Jun, vice director of SJTU Council and dean of GIFT, Yang Ming, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute, Jin Sun, Executive Dean of GIFT, Wang Chong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Ge Tianshu and Wang Jingchuan, Vice Presidents, Li Mian and Bo Shouhang, Assistants to the Dean; along with all the faculty members and students involved in the program. The event was presided over by Yang Ming.
Hu Weiwei firstly delivered a speech on behalf of SJTU. She congratulated the students who have been selected for The GIFT Future Scholar Program and thanked the faculty members who carefully guided the students. She stressed that today's world needs forward-looking technological talents with national pride, global leadership, and innovative thinking. GIFT and its Future Scholar Program have achieved good results and experience in breaking disciplinary boundaries and cultivating future scientific and technological leaders, and she hoped that the second phase of the program would make further advances. Finally, she encourage GIFT to uphold a student-centered philosophy, adhere to the principles of moral education, and use reform as a driving force to innovate educational models. She urged the institute to focus on development-oriented goals, continuously nurturing talent to meet future challenges.
Wang Chong, on behalf of the GIFT working group, reported on the development of The GIFT Future Scholar Program, elaborated on the achievements of the first phase of the program, and outlined the development goals and strategic direction for the second phase.
Wu Jingyi and Chen Xuejun presented the completion certificates to the students who completed the first phase of the project.
Jin Sun announced the list of participants the second phase of the project.Zou Weiwen, Meng Xiangqi, and Wang Hongdong presented project certificates to the students of the second phase of the project, acknowledging their scientific research achievements and encouraging their continued development. This gesture symbolized both recognition of their past efforts and high expectations for their future contributions.
Qin Tong spoke as a representative of the instructors. He believed that GIFT Future Scholars Programm systematically develops students’ research capabilities , provides cutting-edge project opportunities and financial support, and encouraged students to value these opportunities, embrace challenges with courage, and contribute to fostering a nurturing environment that supports the growth of both instructors and students, ultimately establishing a cradle for future leaders in scientific research.
Li Peiyi, representing the first-phase students, and Xu Kexin, representing the second-phase students, delivered speeches. Li Peiyi expressed gratitude to the GIFT Future Scholars Program for providing a strong foundation for his academic and career development. He shared his commitment to continuing research in the field of AI and lithium batteries. Xu Kexin shared her anticipation of joining the program, highlighting her belief that it would offer valuable research resources and mentorship, enable her to transcend disciplinary boundaries, and foster continuous growth through practical experience.
Ni Jun delivered a concluding speech, reflecting on the development journey of GIFT and the progress of the GIFT Future Scholars Program. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the university leaders for their guidance, the government of Wuxi’s Xishan District for its support, and the dedicated efforts of GIFT’s faculty and students. He encouraged everyone to continue embodying the spirit of exploration, aiming high, and striving for excellence. Ni Jun expressed his confidence that, through the Future Scholars Program, more outstanding scientific and technological talents would emerge, bringing fresh vitality to global technological advancement and social development.
