GIFT Future Scholars Program Showcases Student Research Achievements

On May 10, 2026, the Project Showcase and Exchange Meeting of the GIFT Future Scholars Program was held in Lecture Hall 515 of the Yue-kong Pao Library on the Minhang campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The event brought together leading experts from industry and academia, demonstrating the program's outcomes and the strong research potential of GIFT's future scholars.

Attendees included Xin Zhao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SJTU Committee; Haixiao Li, Regional General Manager (Institutional Investor) of Foresight Fund Management Co., Ltd., Ruiqi Chao, Secretary of the university's Youth League Committee; Guangfeng Hou, Deputy Dean of the Advanced Industrial Technology Research Institute; Yin Xu, Deputy Director of the Student Innovation Center; Jiaying Wang, Director of the Registration and Academic Affairs Office; representatives from companies such as AMEC, CATL Future Energy (Shanghai) Research Institute, Shanghai BOCHU Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Ivy Capital, SBT Ultrasonic Technology, iSAGEBOT, Shanghai SmartState Technology Co., Ltd., JAKA Robotics, Hangzhou Augmented Intelligence Manufacturing Solutions Co., Ltd., VAST Technology, DeepTech, Huawei Terminal, and Neusoft; Jun Ni, Dean of GIFT; Sun Jin, Executive Dean; Jingchuan Wang, Weiliang Xia, Hua Bao, Associate Deans; and participating students and supervisors of the Future Scholars Program. The meeting was chaired by Haibo Han, Deputy Chairperson of the GIFT Council.

Xin Zhao highlighted GIFT's role as a strategic cornerstone for advancing national long‑term development and global technological frontiers, with the Future Scholars Program serving as a high‑level incubator for future science and technology leaders. He called for joint efforts and a long-term, systematic training framework to cultivate top-notch innovative talents and deepen education reforms. He also suggested that teachers take a student‑centered approach to foster innovation potential and that schools strengthen industry‑university collaboration to transcend disciplinary, institutional and learning boundaries.

Haixiao Li expressed the firm's commitment to empowering young innovators and encouraged students to pursue meaningful scientific achievements.

Jingchuan Wang presented an overview of the GIFT Future Scholars Program, including the background, progress, and prospects of the program. He reviewed the establishment of the first four phases and the outcomes achieved.

Project completion certificates were awarded to students from the 3rd and 4th cohorts. Project Approval certificates were awarded to the 5th and 6th cohorts.

Feng Shi, a GIFT faculty member and supervisor representative, shared his reflections on mentoring undergraduate research, encouraging students to inquire actively, and to pursue their passions with dedication.

Student representatives Chongxiao Mao and Yueling Zhang shared their research experiences in single‑cell transcriptomics and interdisciplinary AI‑energy projects, respectively. They expressed gratitude to the supportive environment GIFT provided and their determination to address future technological challenges.

Xin Zhao presented the “GIFT Future Scholars Innovation Practice Base” certificates to enterprise partners.

In his concluding remarks, Dean Jun Ni outlined key qualities for future talent: the ability to raise questions proactively, independent thinking, cross‑disciplinary integration, and persistent exploration despite uncertainty. He encouraged students to cultivate a scientific mindset and innovation capabilities, and pioneer the future with impactful research.

Following the meeting, a poster exhibition of the future scholars' projects was held. Guests engaged in in‑depth discussions with participating students, offering forward‑looking insights and guidance aligned with industrial needs.