From May 29 to 31, the 16th National Forum of Deans of Materials Schools and Colleges was held in Wuhan. Centered on the theme “Driving Materials Innovation with New Quality Productive Forces and Shaping the Discipline Blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan,” the forum was organized by the Hubei Provincial Alliance for Innovation in Materials Disciplines and jointly hosted by Wuhan University of Technology and several other institutions. Members of the School leadership team and faculty representatives attended the event.
Cui Hongzhi gave a report
At a parallel forum session, Dean Cui Hongzhi delivered a presentation entitled “Exploration and Practice of an Innovative Talent Cultivation Model for Marine Materials Serving the National Maritime Strategy.” She introduced the overall development of the university and the School, highlighting educational practices and achievements in strengthening moral education, promoting interdisciplinary integration, and advancing AI applications. She also shared the School’s efforts to enhance students’ research capabilities, foster teamwork and perseverance in tackling scientific challenges, improve multi-supervisor mentoring mechanisms, build collaborative educational communities, and expand international engagement. In addition, she outlined future directions for disciplinary and talent development.
Cui Hongzhi recommends Qingdao
Following a successful application, Qingdao was officially selected as the host city for the 17th National Forum of Deans of Materials Schools and Colleges in 2027. Representing the future host institution, Dean Cui promoted the upcoming forum and joined representatives from participating universities in receiving the forum flag during the closing ceremony.
As a parallel event of the Deans’ Forum, the inaugural “Women in Materials Science Roundtable Forum” was successfully held. Du Junhua, Party Secretary of the School, delivered remarks on behalf of the organizer of the second edition of the forum. In her speech, she introduced the city of Qingdao, the Qingdao West Coast New Area, and Ocean University of China, and warmly invited participants to attend the next forum.
Du Junhua delivered a speech
The National Forum of Deans of Materials Schools and Colleges was initiated in 2010 by deans from leading materials schools across China. The forum serves as an important platform for promoting cooperation, exchange, and the advancement of materials science disciplines nationwide and has now been successfully held for sixteen consecutive sessions.
Text/Photos: Li Wei
