Grasp the opportunity of the times, keep in mind the original intention

The periodicity of basic research is long. To devote oneself to it, one should have not only courage and determination, but also tenacity and patience. Training basic academic disciplines talents needs long-term planning and continuous efforts.

Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT, said that Xi once again emphasized the urgency of talent cultivation in basic academic disciplines for the country's innovative development at the Meeting, pointing out the direction for the development of China's higher education.

Colleges and universities are places of talent gathering and the cradle of innovation. As a research-oriented Sino-Foreign cooperative university focusing on science and technology, GTIIT will play a leading role in cultivating talents for basic research. Under the background of prioritizing science and technology and the requirements of the Guangdong High Level University Development Program, GTIIT will base on the ecological system of high-level disciplines and the advantages of basic research, focusing on the discipline construction of the world-level cutting-edge technologies, the main economic fields, the country's critical needs, and the people's health, to cultivate pioneering scientists and researchers with innovation power, global vision and humanities, and to promote industrial innovation and social economic development in astern Guangdong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and even China.

Introduce the gene of Technion, activate the advantage of GTIIT

GTIIT has introduced the teaching system and standards of Technion-Israel institute of Technology (Technion) and inherited its gene of pursuing truth and innovation, to form a high-quality and international talent training mode and cultivate high-level science and engineering talents urgently needed by the national development.

Basic research is the foundation and source of scientific and technological innovation, and training basic subject talents plays a key role in original innovation. Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, said that the teaching methods used at GTIIT have been developed at the Technion for hundreds of years. The Technion is a successful example of science, technology and innovation. The flagship majors at the Technion are all basic subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science and so on. "We attach great importance to these subjects, which are the foundation of our education. All the teachers at GTIIT are scientific researchers. While making great contributions to the development of science, they also teach students their research abilities as researchers and scientists, which is the unique strength of us."

Consolidate the discipline foundation, deepen integration and innovation

"GTIIT has attracted scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, and the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories and Technology Centers. There is no strict boundary between subjects here, and teachers in chemistry, physics and biology can discuss quantum mechanics, artificial intelligence and fluid mechanics and synthetic biology together at GTIIT. The essential function of a university is to spread knowledge, explore truth and promote social justice and equity. We hope that the intersection of disciplines can stimulate students' desire to seek and explore knowledge. We are confident to cultivate interdisciplinary talents with respect for others, the courage to take social responsibilities and the sense of innovation!" Xu Peng, Associate Professor of GTIIT Chemical Engineering Department, believes that innovation without basic disciplines is like water without a source and a tree without roots. If the foundation of basic subjects is not solid enough, it is difficult to make great innovations. "This requires us not to rush for quick success, but to establish the consciousness of scientific and technological innovation so that we can win the respect of the world."

The laboratory is the cradle of inspiration and innovation. With the advanced experimental instruments and space, GTIIT provides the first-class experimental conditions for teachers and students, making the teaching and research work more effective. "We encourage students to participate in lab projects. Only when they encounter problems on the front line of scientific research can they combine knowledge in books and truly apply what they have learned. We should train students' basic engineering thinking in freshman year, teach them to integrate the knowledge of chemistry, physics and biology learned in high school and apply it to practical problems to solve engineering problems. And by thinking about some of the phenomena in life, we can introduce the basic scientific laws gradually," Prof. Xu Peng introduced.

Promoting the training of talents in basic disciplines is a systematic project that requires long-term efforts while benefits the long term. Jiang Youhua, Assistant Professor of GTIIT Mechanical Engineering Department, believes that basic subjects are universal and can be applied to many fields, whether in employment or further study. "As a science and technology university, the curriculum and talent training methods of GTIIT are carried out around the talent training of basic disciplines. Our teaching is divided into three parts - lecture, tutorial and office hour. Students can come to our office to ask questions in Office Hour. They will receive personalized guidance from the teachers, and we will spare no effort to support them in the foundation stage."

GTIIT gives full play to the advantages of profound basic research and interdisciplinary integration, and takes actions to foster innovation and creativity. In 2018, Guangdong has been listed in the "Guangdong High Level University Development Program". In 2021, GTIIT was approved as a major program for the fundamental research of Guangdong Province, and the key laboratory of Guangdong Province was added.

Wang Yan, Assistant Professor of GTIIT Chemical Engineering Department, is mainly engaged in the field of wearable electronic devices. This is an interdisciplinary field, requiring a solid scientific foundation in chemistry, physics, biology, machinery, etc. She believes that basic science is a source of innovation and is of great importance to applied science and production markets. "Only by focusing on basic scientific research can we maintain our capacity for independent innovation forever, which is very important for a country's development. Since its establishment, GTIIT has attached great importance to the development of basic research and has been preparing for the cultivation of innovative talents."

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs