On May 19, 2025, Nanjing University held a symposium on Xianlin Campus to study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply. Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), attended and delivered a speech. Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, attended the symposium.
Tan Tieniu pointed out that on the occasion of the third anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply to NJU young scholars returning from abroad, and during the 123rd anniversary of the university's founding, this symposium is of great significance and necessity. He noted that for 123 years, "serving the country through science and education" has been NJU’s spiritual foundation. The young scholars returning from abroad have inherited and promoted the university's fine tradition of serving the nation and the people. Over the past three years, inspired by General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply, these young scholars have achieved a series of groundbreaking accomplishments. Tan Tieniu congratulated everyone and extended the best wishes for NJU's anniversary to all young scholars and students. He systematically introduced the positive changes in the group of young scholars returning from abroad, including their growing numbers, deeper patriotism, more outstanding contributions, and continuously optimized development environment.
Tan Tieniu emphasized that the current international situation is complex, with rapid technological innovation, and the mission of building a strong education system is arduous. Living in such a great era is a blessing, and not failing the great era is a responsibility. He put forward four requirements for the young scholars returning from abroad and the students about to study overseas. First, they should deeply understand and grasp the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply and draw strength for progress. Second, they should vigorously promote the long tradition of studying abroad to serve the country, making it a conscious pursuit to serve the nation and the people. Third, they should achieve new successes in "adhering to moral education and promoting technological self-reliance," and strive to be leaders in "strengthening cultural confidence and telling China's story well." Fourth, they should actively leverage their advantages and expand international cooperation networks. He stated that NJU will continue to support the young scholars returning from abroad, hoping they will continue to unite, strive for excellence, and contribute more to building a world-class Nanjing University with Chinese characteristics.
Professors Tan Hairen from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Wang Tao from the School of Astronomy and Space Science, Lyu Yong from the School of Mathematics, Zhao Qingyuan from the School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Cheng Qing from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, and Associate Professor Cai Pingqiang from the School of Medicine, all young scholars who wrote to General Secretary Xi Jinping, spoke in turn. They shared their experiences in teaching and research, reporting on their efforts to implement the fundamental task of moral education, promote technological self-reliance, strengthen cultural confidence, and tell China's story well, in learning and implementing the spirit of Xi Jinping's important reply.
Assistant Professors Zhang Anqi from the School of Liberal Arts, Wang Xiao from the School of Journalism and Communication, and Associate Professor Yan Chao from the Nanjing-Helsinki Institute, who joined Nanjing University in the past three years, shared their experiences and achievements since joining the university and reported their insights on learning and implementing the spirit of Xi Jinping's important reply.
Graduate student representatives also spoke and shared their research experiences at NJU and their motivations for studying abroad, unanimously expressing their commitment to remembering General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest instructions, keeping the "national affairs" in mind, shouldering the "national responsibilities," and promoting NJU's glorious tradition of serving the country through studying abroad. They aim to return early and contribute their wisdom and strength to the great cause of building a strong nation and national rejuvenation.
During the discussions, participants exchanged practical experiences on implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important reply. They conducted in-depth discussions on issues such as interdisciplinary studies, industry-university-research cooperation, international education, talent recruitment, research platforms, curriculum development, and talent cultivation, offering suggestions for the university's further development.
The symposium was presided over by Chen Yunsong, Vice Chair of NJU CPC Council. University leaders Jiao Ruihua, Zheng Hairong, and Lu Yanqing participated in the symposium. Representatives from NJU's schools and departments attended the event.
