To continuously strengthen the development of young faculty and foster a vibrant academic exchange environment, the School of Materials Science and Engineering held the 8th session of its “Faculty Development Coffee Talk” on April 28. Professor Chen Ruirun, Deputy Director of the Institute of Science and Industrial Technology at Harbin Institute of Technology, Director of the Department of Basic Science, and National Distinguished Young Scholar, was invited to deliver a keynote talk titled “From Idea to Ideal.” The session was attended by Du Junhua, Party Secretary of the School, and Cui Hongzhi, Dean of the School. Vice Dean Wang Huanlei presided over the event, with nearly 30 participants including members of the leadership team, department heads, and faculty representatives.
During the session, Professor Chen shared insights from his research experience, providing a systematic overview of progress and representative achievements in fields such as electromagnetic cold crucible directional solidification of titanium-based alloys and directional purification of polysilicon. He analyzed the critical pathways from scientific inspiration to high-level research outcomes. Additionally, he reflected on his personal development into a nationally recognized high-level talent, elaborating on scientific topic selection, innovative breakthroughs, and sustained research accumulation, offering attendees clear guidance on advancing their own research careers.
In the discussion segment, faculty actively engaged with Professor Chen, asking questions related to research capacity development, academic career planning, high-quality paper writing, and broadening academic perspectives. Professor Chen responded to each question with targeted and practical advice, providing valuable guidance for young faculty navigating challenges in their research development.
Dean Cui Hongzhi expressed gratitude for Professor Chen’s insightful sharing and encouraged young faculty to uphold rigorous scholarship, align personal research ideas with national strategic priorities, and pursue sustained, meaningful work to achieve research ideals that contribute to national development.
As a signature faculty development initiative, the “Faculty Development Coffee Talk” series aims to provide an open platform for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences. The School plans to continue leveraging this platform to invite high-level experts, foster a strong academic atmosphere, and support faculty growth and disciplinary advancement.
Text/Photos: Wang Xingwei
