Dear faculty, students, medical staff, alumni, and friends,
Greetings and Happy New Year!
As the cycle of nature signals the onset of spring, we are ushered into 2024. On behalf of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, we convey our heartfelt greetings and best wishes for a prosperous New Year to everyone!
In 2023, Shanghai Jiao Tong University began the full-scale implementation of the principles set forth by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Adhering to the guidance of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we consistently concentrated on the central goals of the CPC education programs. With high-quality Party development as the foundation for overall growth, we have nurtured the integrated advancement of education, science, technology, and talent. We remain dedicated to our fundamental mission of educating individuals for the Party and the country, thereby supporting China’s aspirations for advanced scientific and technological independence and strength. With steadfast determination and resolve, we press ahead to create a world-acclaimed and locally-rooted university.
We sow seeds of hope through concerted efforts and rejoice in the abundant yield of our shared endeavours. At the heart of our quest is the creation of an internationally celebrated haven for talent, with the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute and the Zhangjiang Advanced Research Institute serving as beacons that draw the finest scientists and emerging talents to our academic fold.
Our dedication to nurturing talent remains steadfast as we set the pace in talent initiatives at both the national level and within Shanghai. Esteemed figures like Ding Hong and Zhang Di have enriched the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ roster, with Tan Jiahua and Xia Qiang joining the revered Chinese Academy of Engineering, complemented by Eric Daniel Jacques Gilson as an honored foreign associate. In addition, our faculty boasts over 180 members who’ve garnered acclaim in national talent programs.
Embracing our ethos to nurture talent as a top priority, we lead with avant-garde programs such as the Zhiyuan Talent Program, the Excellence Program, and the Young Talent Support Program. We’re transforming our approach to talent management, building formidable research teams, and refining our tenure procedures. The establishment of the Siyuan Research Institute epitomizes our commitment to pioneering talent engagement and development strategies, bolstering our nation’s strategic goals, and contributing to the global landscape of scientific innovation.
At Shanghai Jiao Tong University, we are dedicated to creating an environment where academic excellence thrives. Our commitment is firm to nurturing integrity and virtue, as we inspire both educators and students to honour the profound mission of teaching and learning. As an inaugural member of the National Excellence Plan, our goal is to shape future leaders who will drive our country’s renaissance. Our faculty’s reputation is exceptional, highlighted by the Thin Plate Structures Manufacturing Research Institute team’s recognition as the National Huang Danian-Style Teaching Team. Academician Wang Zhenyi’s remarkable 75-year tenure in medicine and teaching has helped to establish a legacy of excellence, encapsulated by the saying “one school, four academicians”. Additionally, Academician Lin Zhongqin being named a ‘Shanghai Education Luminary’ showcases the top-tier mentorship that defines our university.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University has demonstrated significant achievements in the development of high-quality teaching resources, having been awarded 18 national-level teaching achievement awards. The university offers 53 first-class undergraduate courses recognized at the national level and 25 at the municipal level in Shanghai, surpassing its historical best in teaching competitions. The nurturing of research talent is also evident as 15 undergraduate students have received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China for their basic research projects. This is a clear indication of the university’s dedication to cultivating a strong research foundation among its students. The university is deeply committed to the advancement of its National Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program. It actively explores and develops a model for cultivating top-notch engineers that combines the unique characteristics of Chinese education with world-class standards. Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s students have proudly lifted the “Challenge Cup” for the sixth time, setting a new record for the highest number of medals won in the history of the China International College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. They have also successfully showcased their excellence by winning gold and silver medals at prestigious sporting events, including the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Chengdu FISU World University Games, and the first National Student (Youth) Games, thus displaying their outstanding talents and competitive spirit.
Bearing our dreams and advancing through the night, we explore uncharted territories. Focused on “National Priorities,” we actively engage in organized scientific research and drive the development of specialized zones for fundamental research. These are strategically oriented, cutting-edge, and market-driven areas, known as “Concentration Zones,” “Free Zones,” and “Integration Zones,” to which Shanghai Jiao Tong University contributes its wisdom for the realization of high-level technological independence and strength. The university has sustained its national leadership for fourteen consecutive years in securing funding for projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and continues to hold a strong position with the National Social Science Fund projects, with five national key laboratories having been successfully restructured. In terms of significant scientific infrastructure, the National Major Scientific and Technological Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (Shanghai) has passed national inspection. The deep-sea scientific infrastructure project has been approved upon feasibility review, and the construction of the Changxing Island Marine Equipment Research Base is progressing in an orderly manner.
The Experimental Verification of Segmented Fermi Surface in Superconducting State research has been recognized as one of China’s top ten scientific breakthroughs. Academician Jing Yipeng was awarded the He Liang He Li Foundation Science and Technology Award for his contributions. Additionally, 39 innovative projects received the Shanghai Science and Technology Prize. The construction of the world’s first deep-sea neutrino telescope has made significant progress. The inaugural Shanghai Jiao Tong University Foresight Science and Technology Award was granted to Academician Chen Zhu, Academician Ding Wenjiang, and Professor Ye Jun for their exceptional work. A four-person team embarked on a daring exploration into the 10,000-meter-deep South Pacific abyss. Six medical projects were honored with the annual China Medical Science and Technology Award, showcasing significant achievements in medical research. Shanghai is actively pushing the frontiers in energy storage and artificial intelligence (AI), with plans for a national platform that blends industry and education in innovative ways. Steps are being taken to establish Shanghai’s first top-tier AI institute. The municipal construction plan for the NeoBay Science and Technology Innovation Strategic Zone has been officially released. Additionally, the establishment of the first science and technology innovation fund exceeding 1 billion yuan aims to provide significant support for Shanghai’s development into a global center for science and innovation.
Bridging the divide between East and West, we are sparking global dialogues and drafting an ambitious vision for the future. The “Global SJTU” strategy is moving forward with purpose, marked by new agreements with the University of Michigan, initiating ventures with the French Education Group, and renewing ties with prestigious institutions including Warwick University, University College London, University of Melbourne, and the University of Leeds. We are taking on a crucial role within the leadership of global academic networks such as U21 and APRU, diligently driving initiatives like the Global Challenges Program and facilitating internships with international bodies. Our commitment to establishing the German Center is unwavering, and our hosting of specialized forums at international conferences, such as the 2023 Forum for Harmony among Civilizations, underscores our dedication to elevating the quality of our international collaborations and exchanges.
Aligning with global standards, our campus has been home to over 2,300 international students, enriching their educational journey and life on campus, while bolstering cultural services for our international staff. We have fortified partnerships within our community, launching the Industrial Innovation Research Institute with Xuhui District, inaugurating the Zhengzhou Research Institute, and founding the Yangtze River Delta (Suzhou) Innovation Research Institute. Our aid programs to Eryuan County, Yunnan, have earned accolades from the Ministry of Education for two years in a row. We’re also forging ahead with strategic collaborations with elite national labs and tech industry leaders. The unwavering commitment of our alumni fortifies our university’s progress, infusing it with renewed energy. Together, we pledge to continue fostering a legacy of openness, inclusiveness, and innovation.
We carry a deep commitment to nurturing talent and building character, thereby gathering immense strength. Our focus is to lead by emphasizing core values, and we’re actively involved in rolling out Shanghai’s pioneering Ideological and Political Education pilot program. Hosting the national seminar that unites ideological and political education across all school levels has led to our fourth recognition as a leader in national online education, steering our youth towards becoming resolute in their ideals and devoted in their service to the country. In keeping with the belief that culture enriches individuals, our newly enhanced play celebrating the renowned scientist Hsue-Shen Tsien has premiered at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. The original play “Sea Vegetable Blossoms” tells the inspiring stories of the new generation’s Great Masters among our own staff and students. Moreover, the Li Shutong Cup theater competition at SJTU has created an exemplary platform for aesthetic education, reflecting our unique cultural strengths.
We’re crafting memorials on our campus to honour the legacy of heroes, ensuring their revolutionary spirit lives on among us. Our calendar is dotted with elegant arts events that enrich the campus spirit, blending scientific rigor with artistic expression, in tune with the harmonious ethos of SJTU today. Programs like the “SJTU Sprouts” summer camp, wellness retreats, and well-organized care for our staff’s children are being launched with a keen attention to detail. These thoughtful initiatives are boosting the well-being and sense of fulfillment across our community of educators and medical personnel, fostering a sense of unity and satisfaction.
Every step forward we take, every goal we achieve, is a tribute to the collective genius and grit of SJTUers everywhere. A heartfelt thank-you to every SJTUer who contributes to the thriving of the university in one way or another!
Greeting the new year’s first brilliant rays, we’re brimming with fervour, cool-headed confidence, and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward. As we step into 2024, let’s rally even closer to the Party Central Committee, with Xi Jinping leading the way. With courage for innovation and a relentless drive, we’re committed to nurturing talent, fuelling the prosperity of our country, and placing innovation at the core of our pursuits. We’re on the fast track to establishing a top-tier university that’s uniquely Chinese and ready to make SJTU’s mark in this pivotal chapter of our country’s resurgence.
Wishing all SJTUers a year of robust health, familial harmony, and enduring prosperity. May your paths be smooth and your futures bright!
December 31, 2023
Translated by Tao Qing
Editor on Duty: Chen Diwei
Responsible Editor: Jiang Qianqian, Li Xinyu